Yes, Monday night was our last concert in the friendly confines of the Arlene until next September, when we open with our gala starring violinist Joshua Bell. It was another fine concert, and I think it might have gone the best of the three nights. Elina’s playing of the Britten just gets more and more assured and authoritative (and I thought it started out outrageously good!), and the Mahler was absolutely in the zone last night – strong but flexible playing, and Carlos threw some wonderful curve balls that made it a total delight to be a part of (did anyone catch his “Viennese” off-beats in the third movement?). What a joy it is to play in this fine orchestra – not to say that every day is an unalloyed joy – but concerts like last night’s are what make life as a musician worth living.
Carlos honored the four retiring members of the orchestra before the concert began: principal timpanist Paul Salvatore, percussionists Christine Perry and Steve Lawrence, and double bassist Tommy Thompson. He also surprised the orchestra by saying a few words about departing principal flutist David Buck before the beginning of the Mahler. That was very nice of him to do, often members who leave for other jobs are not honored in such a way. It shows what a great guy and musician David is.
Anyone have any thoughts about the last concert of the season in Portland?