Success under the Sky

You won me over, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

I’m not against classical music (Dvorak’s “From the New World” is a favourite, since high school), I’ve just never been one to head out to an evening at the Symphony. Which makes me probably the exact kind of person being targeted by the ESO’s annual Labour Day venture into Hawrelak Park.

Well played, orchestra.

Symphony Under the Sky was a lot of fun. I had the pleasure of checking it out Friday night, Day One.

Earlier storms couldn't keep people from the music.

The park amphitheater is a great setting. Everyone (except me) remembered to bring a chair or blanket if they didn’t have reserved seating. The ESO was selling blankets and seats for people just like me. Some of the proceeds of those items fund the ESO.

One of the things I do find neat about classical music is how often a piece will be introduced and I’ll have no idea what the person is talking about. Once the music starts, however, I’ll say “Oh, THAT song.”

Such was the case Friday evening when conductor Robert Bernhardt (a visitor to our city who keeps coming back for this big event) talked about playing Modest Mussorgsky‘s “A Night on Bare Mountain.” Instantly recognizable (probably a lot of that due to Fantasia).

There were also parts of the night’s closing Concerto in F (by George Gershwin) that I recognized. ESO Music Director William Eddins hit the piano for this finale.

I hope others who took in the event for the first time found it worthwhile. I know I’ll be checking into what’s on tap for the rest of the symphony’s season.

Please note that staff of the mini donut tent are wearing TUXEDOS.