A Night at the Symphony

Last night was our third Masterworks concert and it featured Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp (featuring two of our own players) and Mahler Symphony 5 (featuring a huge orchestra).

When I do Concert Duty here it's slightly different than it was in TO. I've started getting into the habit of buying a massive latte at Stone's throw at around 6pm and then heading in to work to check my voicemail and make sure everything is running smoothly for the show. At around 7, I head out to the lobby to grab drink tickets and to chat with some of the staff. I always check in on the Customer Service table at the front entrance and stop by the Patron's lounge to say hello to our high end donors. Many of them had big questions for me about Video Games Live. I try to stop by the pre-concert chat, but usually get stopped by board members or Centennial Committee members for a chat.

At around five to 8, I head backstage to meet up with the sponsor for the evening. I go out onstage and introduce the concert and thank the sponsors (hate this part...huge stage fright issues). Then I wait on the sidelines backstage until the Maestro goes out and the show begins. I sneak back into the hall to watch the show. After the concerto, I run backstage again to give congratulations to the soloist and chat with some of the musicians. At intermission I try to chat with as many people as possible and then go back to enjoy the second half. After the performance, I run backstage again to give the maestro a huge smile and hug as he gets off the stage. I run around and try to find the soloists to bring them out to the post-reception for a drink and to chat with their fans. Again, I try to chat with as many people as possible.

After the show, I go out with the musicians or anyone who is up for a post-mortem. It seems to be regular to stay out until about 3am.

I just love the concerts here. The audience is so appreciative, the orchestra so enthusiastic, and the product might not quite be as perfect but it's played with more heart than I've seen anywhere else.