It has been over six years since I attended a live performance. It was the Nashville Symphony. I loved everything about it, except the traffic in downtown Nashville. As always, I am thrilled to see the diversity of people in the audience, wearing everything from jeans and a t-shirt to gowns and jewels. Music requalizes, as the audience becomes one in enjoying the pageantry and beauty of classical music. Race, age, social class, and gender differences disappear, for it doesn’t matter where you sit or how you look, as long as you are quiet during the music.
There are rituals observed that make the performance comfortable and enjoyable for all. When the conductor comes on stage, everyone claps. Then, the first chair enters to applause. The orchestra tunes up, and the guest soloist enters to great applause, particularly if they are well-known like Joshua Bell or Gil Shaham. There is a silent agreement that people will not cough, move about, or make noise as the orchestra plays. Between movements, people can clear their throats.
Then, the music soars, and there is nothing like it. Every problem dissolves as you let the music heal your soul. I love violin and piano soloists. I admire the way they play for nearly an hour without sheet music. The conductor’s guidance and theatrics can make the production even more glorious.
My husband and I are headed to Vienna next week, and I look forward to attending a Beethoven concert in an opera house or on the square there. I love the way music erases the differences we insist on seeing in other places, as we become one through our love of the music. Joyous applause and smiles all around connect our hearts and heal our souls.
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