A week ago, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Cornell Symphony Orchestra concert would be a Rose event. Since I play in the CSO, it was nice to know that I would be fulfilling my rose event at the same time performing in the concert!

In the concert I played the viola and was fortunately located right at the center of the stage where I could observe all the players. Like many other concerts we have had in the past, the performance was very different from our usual practice. In rehearsal, the orchestra concentrates on all the technical aspects of each piece which drains out much of the fun and makes the music seem lifeless and repetitive.  As performers, our main goal is not to mess up during the actual concert. However on the day of the actual performance, people are no longer nervous about making mistakes because there is no use worrying about it. All the musicians can do is do their best. Even the conductor always reminds the orchestra on the day of the concert to relax and enjoy the music, and not to worry about making mistakes during the performance. This way of thinking aways works and makes the music feel alive and transformed.  In many ways, I think the performance on the actual day is special because we too (not just the audience) are able to enjoy the music .

While this performance was just another great experience, it was also a sad one for many of the musicians because the visiting conductor would be leaving after this semester. Even though he is just a visiting guest conductor for this semester, the short time we had with him has created a bond. While many musicians (including myself) did not attempt to get to know him on a personal level, almost all of the people I talked to felt sad that he would be leaving. This is quite interesting because it shows that music crates a sense of attachment between people. Since successful performance requires the conductor to understand the characteristics of the orchestra, it is necessary for everyone to understand the conductor at a deeper psychological level. Though this usually happens naturally over time, it is interesting how this deep understanding of one another can lead to an unnoticed friendship between the orchestra and conductor.

While this particular performance was very exhausting compared to others, it was also a great one. I am already looking forward to next semester’s performance!