At the previous two Symphony
Sundays, I had played viola with the Neophonic Orchestra. Those
years included nauseating heat interspersed with terrible thunderstorms, yet it
still managed to be a pretty good time. That
orchestra is on hiatus, so this year, I could go just for fun, with no
obligation to dress up and chase flying pieces of sheet music off a stage.
Instead, I went on a trip with some friends, reassuring
myself that I needed some time away, and that maybe I’d be back in time to hear
the WV Symphony and see the fireworks. I
had a wonderful day out of town (full of adventures and good company that I’d
be hard pressed to trade for anything).
It
was late when we got home, and as we drove back into Charleston,
giddy and tired, I was suddenly overwhelmed with regret about missing Symphony
Sunday. I hadn't planned on admitting all this here on the blog, but I've heard that confession is good for the soul (although I have also heard that guilt is its own reward).
My punishment so far:
I’ve heard that Symphony Sunday was especially fun this year
– the rain cleared, so it was sunny, cool, pleasant, and not humid at all. The
music was good, the food excellent, and everyone loved it. Facebook has made sure to continue to let me know what I missed.
Here is where I need your help to make it worse:
Were you at Symphony Sunday? What music did you enjoy the
most? What Wizard of Oz costumes were the cutest? Did you race to beat Beethoven? What food did you get to sample?
Tell me your stories and share your pictures (I can link to
them here, or if you’re willing to give permission, we can post them), let me
know more about what I missed. You can post comments below, or you can send me an email.
I will be reproached with what I missed, and Classically Speaking readers can enjoy the stories and sights of Symphony Sunday. Perhaps then I’ll have fulfilled my penance, and I will be able to move on, hopefully to sin no more.
And if you are kicking yourself, as I am, for missing a fun,
free day of food and music with the WV Symphony, let’s make a date. We’ll meet on the University
of Charleston lawn next June for
Symphony Sunday.
Related links:
* Classical Music in WV, Summer 2010
* Musical Pirates (Symphony Sunday 2009)