Cracked...

The lights dimmed, the orchestra stopped the fierce, sometimes maniacal playing of their instruments, and out walks a tall woman with a violin in her hand. The audience gives her a measured round of applause as if to say, "please me and more will come later." But we are not here to hear a lone violinist, or even this moderate sized orchestra. No, on this Monday's eve in December, the 17th to be precise, we have arrived at the concert hall to partake in a feast, not one for the palate, but one for the eyes, ears and mind. But let me back up a bit and tell the story.

One month ago, my friend Stan asked me about an upcoming concert that his wife Wendy had wanted to attend.

"Can you get tickets for the Renee Fleming concert?" he asked.

Fortunately, I have a connection or two, but short of promising anything I simply told him I would " see what I could do."

AS soon as I got back to my office I emailed Ron Eichman, the General Director of the Fresno Grand Opera, asking if he still had good seats available for sale for this December fundraising concert. After a few short minutes, he came back on the line and had several options for us to consider, so I called Stan and we made our plan. Ten tickets, front two rows of the lower balcony. Great seats, this was going to be good.

Now I am kind of cracked, so my idea of fun may not be yours, because I have, well, let's just say REALLY diverse tastes in music. I cut my teeth on folk music, my parents were both great singers and my dad played guitar very well. But they both loved classical music, too, and, well, everything else. Tis true for me, too, but probably more extreme. Since I was trained as a classical musician, well, I know it, love it most of the time, but also listen to lots of country western, A/C, jazz and even Broadway musicals. In fact, musicals, like Les Miz happen to be one of my great passions in life. Ok, back to the story.

I was looking forward to the upcoming concert, but I am always a little apprehensive when attending an event with a legit (read, classically oriented) singer and people who may, or may not like it. I want them to like it, I want them to hear the beauty that inspires me, but, well, it just ain't possible, nor desirable to infuse them with my background and experience. So, as orchestra finished tuning I felt my body shifting a little nervously hoping, praying really, that my eight friends who had paid lots of moeny would enjoy the experience as well.

Now don't ask me that psychology of why we want, no need people to enjoy what we enjoy. I think we are all wired to share experiences of all kinds, good, bad, indifferent. Otherwise we would not seek out public events, cowering instead in a lifeless, lonely existence. Yes, it is "good for man to not be alone," unless someone is bored to tears at an event you RECOMMEND! Ha, ha, what folly. What a coward I am at times and fortunately, both Renee Fleming and my friends proved me wrong again.

She sang. No, I mean, she SANG! Can anybody give me an AMEN? Yes, her style is operatic, but no one can deny the power, the versatility, the softness, the range, the unbelievable beauty, not only of her voice, but of the music written for the human voice through the centuries. My friends were moved ... Yes, all of them. The initiated, the uninitiated alike. Just to stand in the presence of 2300 people listening to this talented lady, standing ovation aside, was amazing. The orchestra was so able, capable and up to the task of supporting her task. And there was joy in the room.

No, this was not the opera soprano of caricature, large, Wagnerian helmet with horns on it. It was a touch of the divine brought to a diverse group of listeners and musicians who, up until those moments had little in common save a ticket and a night out.

Imagine what it must have sounded like many years ago when the angels sang just outside a little town, not unsimilar to Fresno California.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.