Today was a lazy day building up to an exciting evening.
Still on California time, I slept late, but at least didn't miss breakfast. Got my stuff packed and did a couple of errands. Gave me a chance to drive around the town, and it is very pretty here. Ryan tells me that just out of town the facade changes, but as downtowns go, it is cheerful, clean, and accommodating.
I met Ryan at the Sarasota Orchestra Hall, where the festival is based. We listened to a lecture by Robert Levin, who has mentored Ryan in the past and he has enjoyed Mr. Levin immensely. It was a very lively lecture, peppered with humor, and an explanation of things musical that I found enlightening and very accessible. It was a great prelude to the performances in the evening.
I managed to get a meal with Ryan, invited out by a couple of the donors to the festival and 2 other musicians. The six of us ate great Vietnamese food and then disbanded until show time.
Ryan called me for a ride at about 7:30 p.m., and I also heard from some family friends who made the long trek to Sarasota to hear Ryan. Very touching that they would do this, and it also added some energy to the whole event.
Ryan sat in the audience with me up in the balcony for the first half. We heard two lovely pieces that showcased Joseph Silverstein: Edward Elgar’s “String Serenade” and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major. These both showed him to be a very experienced player of course, at the young age of 80, but also to have a level of sensitivity and tenderness when he plays that I have not heard before. It was not overdone, just very moving.
Ryan disappeared backstage during intermission, so I moved down a few rows to sit in front balcony with Bert and Myra Fischel and their grandson Ryan. It was great to have moral support - I think I get more nervous than Ryan.
The second half opened with a piece I had not heard before that was not only beautiful to listen to, but had varying solos throughout that featured players from many sections of the orchestra. It is titled “Variaciones concertantes” op. 23 by Alberto Ginastera. If you can find a copy and give a listen, it will be worth the effort. There is a two part video of it on You Tube for example.
Then finally it was Ryan's turn to chug with the orchestra. Everyone looked very summery and Big Band-ish with their white coats, and of course the requisite 9 foot piano. There was a microphone on the stage near the piano too, which added amplification from this opera stage, and there was no doubt it could be heard.
It felt like an hour, but also like 5 minutes and it was over. I thought Ryan and the orchestra did a phenomenal job, and having had the honor to hear Mr. Larry Rachleff work with Ryan and the orchestra earlier in the week, I could appreciate how much time they had all put into it and what a magician he is. Kudos to everyone!
So it ended, and the place erupted. Everyone loves Gershwin's jazzy piece, it is so well-known and familiar, and to hear it live really adds dimension to all the nuances, dynamics, mode and tempo changes. There was a long standing ovation, giving everyone time to bow and bask in the appreciation of their hard work and talent. I am always awed at the collaboration and synergy of these performances.
Backstage Ryan was glowing, and enjoyed many congratulations. He earned it, as did they all.
I took Ryan back to his hotel and had a soda in the lobby bar with several of his colleagues. Everyone quickly peeled off and went to rest and relax, and then I had to say my goodbyes again. I am to leave early Sunday, and Ryan in the evening. It was a great visit. Upcoming is a visit with Ross, equally entertaining and much anticipated!
Next stop - Airport Adventures!
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