A Classical Review

Sarah found a connection that hooked us up for some last second VIP seats for the Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra Concert Wednesday night. We got to see the inside of the National Concert Hall (outside is still under construction) and the inside is as beautiful as can be! It was a 7:30 concert that featured a guest conductor from Spain. Inma Shara is a young FEMALE conductor from Spain. Tonight's concert featured Spanish classical music, along with the famous Rachmaninov Piano Concerto #2 with Ching-Yun Hu. Hu took the top honor in the 2008 Arthur Rubenstein International Piano Concerto Competition. So you knew she would be good.

Here's my "review" for those who are interested. If not, see you tomorrow.

I am a pretty confident person, but I admit that tonight I was unsure what to expect from a familiar engagement, but in an unfamiliar setting. I've been to many classical concerts of all levels, even played in hundreds of concerts (too many to count is my point). But they've all been in the US.... So given the opportunity to hear Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 performed by the Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) was an occasion I couldn't pass up.

First things to note was the incredible National Concert Hall that was absolutely stunning inside. Next thing to mention were our 8th row VIP seats that Sarah scored for us to enjoy tonight! Nothing like knowing the right people at the right time in life! Tonight's concert featured up and coming female conductor Inma Shara (age 36) in front of a full orchestra. All the men wearing white ties (it's actually pretty sharp). More details that nobody will care about? 14 1st Violins, 12 2nds, 8 violas, 8 cellos, and 6 bass players. Could have used more cowbell.

Since an Orchestra cannot start out with the Rachmaninov, an Interlude and Dance from the Opera "La Vida Breve" by de Falla was inserted. This was a quick warmup for both the orchestra and audience that gave us insight into a Spanish Wedding dance. The groom is named Paco, so it has to be good right? Paco's cheating on his new bride though, so all is not necessarily well. But it was played with tremendous excitement and hinting at what was to follow for the rest of the evening.

An interesting thing to point out was how at the conclusion the short introduction piece, Shara jumped off the podium, and in her excitement, she reached out for the concertmaster and touched the side of his face. I cannot speak Chinese very well, but the body language of his response to her touching his face was VERY clear. He did NOT appreciate that one bit. She instantly realized this and tried to get him to stand up for what looked like a bow. He would have nothing to do with her at this point. It was rather uncomfortable to watch, but it was clear this is not her usual gig.

Other things to note at this point include how a Female Conductor can wear something elegant, be in all black like the rest of the Orchestra, and still look professional. Unlike some female conductors of a midwest symphony who I won't mention by name. Hard to take someone serious if they look like they're wearing a Hugh Hefner style Robe. Plus she didn't talk in between pieces;) Another thing to mention is the program for this evening was amazingly nice (and expensive as noted by both Sarah and I).

Known as "Taiwan's Pride" by her countrymen and women, Ching-Yun Hu came out in an elegant dress that was only surpassed by the elegance of her performance. The beautiful thing about Rachmaninov #2 is he didn't waste time with the Orchestra at the introduction - it's all about the Pianist at the start. And Hu showed us all why she won top honors this past year in Tel Aviv. I have to admit, I've performed this piece as a bass player, and as a bass player you NEVER get to see a piano soloists hands since the piano (and troll) are usually in the way. From the VIP section, watching Hu gracefully move up and down the 88 keys was immaculate and mesmerizing. She was able to express herself with just enough flare as to not to be distracting or arrogant. It was hard to contain ourselves in between movements until the final "BRAVO" echoed through the Hall. As for the Orchestra's performance - I was honestly shocked at how well they blended from our 8th row seats. Usually seats that close are dominated by the strings, but tonight was not the case. I also give a thumbs up to the audience who remained superbly quiet during the cadenzas that the only other noise heard outside of Hu was the high pitch emitted from the television camera about 20 feet above us.

Intermission was brief. No alcohol was served that I could see, but this is a good thing since it was only about a 15 minute break. Barely enough time for Sarah to wait in line, wait in line some more, then finally get in and take her break, then return to our seats.

The anti-climatic 2nd half gave us another Spanish piece from the early 20th Century. Turina wrote his Sinfonia Sevillana to express his homeland and the sounds of Southern Spain. Shara used the entire piece as an opportunity to dance on the podium, most of which was unnecessary, and I'm not sure if it was entirely preferred by the Taiwanese audience and performers. The piece was wonderfully executed though with a noticeably strong performance by the castanet player in the percussion section. Yeah, those things you played in 2nd grade and thought you were a musician! They alone gave the piece it's taste of Spain.

I enjoyed my first Taiwanese Classical Concert. I now anticipate more over the next year.

Yeah, that's right - I'm now 1/3 of the way through my assignment here which means I should be back in the US of A permanently in 1 year. Start the countdown!