Something old, something new
Last Wednesday’s performance of Verdi’s Requiem by Roosevelt University was not as relaxing as it should have been. Nothing wrong with the music, especially nothing wrong with soprano Jonita Lattimore, who sounded heavenly, but the reason it wasn’t quite as relaxing was the unruly audience.
I don’t mind clapping at not exactly the right moment—a sign of a newcomer audience and newcomers are good. I don’t mind a swift unwrapping of a cough drop and the occasional cough is not a problem either. But after the painfully slow unwrapping of tons of candy and irritated shushes from parents trying to calm their children down (I didn’t mind the children as much as the shushes); the climax of the evening was an enormously loud yawn a couple of rows above me during, of course, the most silent part.
Again, nothing wrong with the music and as unruly as the audience was, I was glad to see the Auditorium Theatre filled up quite nicely, as almost 4,000 seats are not easily filled for classical music.
A day before, I was lucky enough to catch Elvis Costello at Symphony Center. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra played Il Sogno, Costello’s first full orchestral composition. He then went on to play with the orchestra and other musicians. Of course, one of the songs performed was Alison. I enjoyed the concert thoroughly, because it’s not often that rock and classical music legends join together for a performance.
This Friday, I will be celebrating Queen’s Day at the Chicago Cultural Center. When asked what exactly that entails I simply reply: “It’s St. Patrick’s Day for the Dutch.” This Saturday, I will be volunteering at the Chicago Lighthouse’s Centennial Gala. This great place, where I made my first plunge into a career in public relations as an intern, has helped people who are blind or visually impaired for a century now. Amazing! Then on Sunday, it is time for the annual Symphonython on 98.7 WFMT FM. This fundraiser for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is held for the 31st time and includes interviews with pianist Lang Lang, composer Augusta Read Thomas and musicians from the orchestra.
On Monday, pay attention to arts and cultural news from Chicago. Just to be clear: I am not talking about a music directorship.
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