i'm happy

Conductor Herbert von Karajan said that when one hears Mahler's Fifth, “you forget that time has passed. A great performance of the Fifth is a transforming experience. The fantastic finale almost forces you to hold your breath.”

...this post is to be continued.

I've never heard music like that before. I don't even know how to describe it and how I felt in the moment, but I will try.

We went to the pre concert talk and in my opinion that should happen at every concert!! It was so great! Only a half an hour with the man from Colston Hall and the principal flute player. He was wonderful! He used to play with the Bournesmith Symphony before playing with the LSO and had many funny stories. He explained what it has been like being with the LSO and the experiences he has been having. He talked about their role with film music and how they have been lucky to play for some major films (Star Wars, etc.) AND he also said that they are working on a film right now that he cannot name but it is coming out in November... any guesses? I have one. They then moved on to talk about the conductor, Valery Gergiev. Now, I may not be up on all the conductors in the world but I knew his name. They laughed a little when they brought up his name and looked awkward but then this thing came over him while he was talking about him. The man conducting the interview asked him "how can you follow him?"and in my head I was thinking "this man is in the London Symphony Orchestra... he doesn't need someone up there to beat time for him, come on now." Just as the thought entered my mind the man replied with a more polite version of the thought that was in his head. He did however mention that everything you need from Valery Gergiev is in his eyes, if you look there, you can't go wrong. Then we heard a touching story of some rough London teenage boys hearing Mahler for the first time and how it changed them. It was wonderful. There was a little break and Hilary and I had a cider. Side note, you can bring your wine, beer, pop, etc. into the hall AND during intermission they sell ice cream. I don't know about you guys but I've never seen that before, ever.

Then the music started. The first half they played Shchedrin's Carmen Suite and it was really great! Then they reorganized the stage for Mahler. Throughout the whole piece I didn't think about whether I would have work tomorrow, how I haven't had a days work yet meaning no pay, I didn't really think about anything but the people I miss and love and but not in a sad way. Having Hilary to go to these things makes all the difference in the world! Two girls who just spent six years in Nova Scotia and now we are going to see the London Symphony Orchestra... it blows my mind on a daily basis.

I get daily reminders of how lucky I am. Yesterday I saw Mahler 5, Wednesday I spent the day in London with Hilary and then we went on a boat cruise that work planned... on the Thames. And to top it all off Hilary has started to read Harry Potter and is on the hunt for book 2 at the library.

Girls weekend is just hours away! Morgan and Tegan arrive this evening and it will be a much needed dance/pretty/good food/laugh/etc party!

I started this post off with a quote to I will end it with one.

xo

I'm broke but I'm happy

I'm poor but I'm kind

I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah

... and I'm giving you all high fives!! I hope you are all happy and well!