Last night's DMS season opener was a mix. First of all the ~2200 seat hall was half empty. This was a disappointment and a bit of a surprise. The past openers I've played with them featured YM and IP and they were sold out. It is very exciting to play to a big sold out house. There is something visually stimulating about looking over your stand into a massive sea of strangers. And maybe it is also the thought that if we played well enough they might rush the stage in delerious rapture trampling us in the process. ("Excuse me ma'am. I'm glad you enjoyed the Moncayo but could you lift your heel out of my ribcage? We have to play Capriccio Espagnole next. And would you mind very much plugging the hole in my lung, at least for the beginning of the second movement?") Anyway, the soloists this year were admittedly not as big as previously. And classical guitar is somewhat of a niche instrument. I just hope this attendance doesn't signal a trend for the season.
The concert got off to a shaky start when only half the orchestra stood up as we started to play the National Anthem. Then, here and there, the rest stood up as the piece was being played. Very second rate looking. Everyone seemed a little unsettled at first but things smoothed themselves out during the Chadwick, "American Sketches" and all was fine (mostly) by the end of the guitar concerto by Bernstein. (Not that one; the Hollywood guy. Elmer. "Airplane II", "Meatballs". That guy.) Well at least the people who showed up seemed excited and enthusiastic. That's all we can ask. Plus, now we can use all those extra programs to help heat the hall this winter!
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