Djembe spent this weekend preparing for and playing in the local symphony. The first performance of the season, entitled “Another Night at the Movies- Aspects of Love”, was Saturday night.
Steven Byess is the conductor for most performances this season. Just so you have a mental picture for the rest of this post, this is Stephen Byess.
The Philadelphia Story, Love Story, The mask of Zorro, Gone With the Wind, Titanic, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Rear Window, Somewhere in Time, and Pirates of the Caribbean
It was a tough repertoire but a great start to the symphony season. Unfamiliar with the music Djembe rented Rear Window, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. It is a 1954 Alfred Hitchcock suspense, actually a romantic mystery. Well worth watching. Photojournalist L.B. Jeffries (Stewart) is confined to his tiny apartment while he recovers from a broken leg. With nothing else to do he passes the time neighbor watching. Lisa (Kelly) is his fashion model girlfriend often comes by to keep him company. They suspect one of the neighbors murdered his wife and spend the movie trying to figure how he did it and what he did with the body.
My interest in old movies has been renewed. Not really that old, we watched Somewhere in Time this evening. It stars Superman and Dr. Quinn- Medicine Woman…aka Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. Interesting movie. Byess was correct when he said you have to suspend reality to enjoy it. If you are unfamiliar it is a time travel love story that takes place at the Grand Hotel. I hope to see Philadelphia Story next. (Rent hint Djembe!) I’m just not that impressed with movies these days so it’s time to get back to basics and watch the oldies.
Back to the concert…It was a really great night. —I love seeing Djembe don his tux. 
Even though it was a little long, the music was captivating. Between each selection Byess introduced the movie and a short video was played. When the symphony would begin you could close your eyes and feel the emotion of the moment. Very nice.
I am just thankful that this entertainment is available to us. Since our oldest started taking violin this year I think she had a greater appreciation for what she was seeing and hearing. The youngest behaved wonderfully well, but could not stay awake for the entire concert. 7:30 until past 10 is a long time for a six year old! The girls have been exposed to music since before they were born. It is our hope that they will grow to love it as much as we do.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:53 pm
Hello-o-o-o-o Conductor Byess! He’s a hottie! I love the symphony anyway, but I think I’d lo-o-o-o-ove the symphony if I got to watch him the whole time.
And you’re right: There’s nothing like the classics. And Somewhere in Time is amazing! When she screams “Reeeeee-chard!” at the end, I just sob.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:56 pm
what a great collection of music. I saw Rear Window for the first time this year and can’t believe I waited so long–so good. (The list of all the movies I’ve seen this year is running alongside my blog.)
Michele sent me.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:58 pm
For your veiwing pleasure Tense. LOL
October 22nd, 2006 at 9:07 pm
Oh so much to say.
I’m with Tense on this one. My first trip to the symphony, I must admit, I feel asleep. I was 14. I missed the harp solo. However, had Conductor Byess been there. Yes, ahh, I’d have stayed awake.
Reading this post made me miss both my violin and the old movies. WE recently watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I swear I could watch Jimmy Stuart all day long. That man had a gift for birthing such rich characters.
I followed you over from Michele’s today. I was headed over as I made me way down the blog roll….so hopefully this counts as a good meet-and-greet visit.
October 22nd, 2006 at 11:10 pm
Oh, I love the symphony. I haven’t gone since my daughter was born, (three years ago) this made me remember just how much I love it.
Oh and I definately love those movies! Anything with Jimmy Stewart is always a classic, Rear Window is definately one of his greats! Somewhere In Time is an interesting movie as well. As an interesting side note, Christopher Reeve actually remade Read Window and played Jimmy Stewarts part.
You have to rent Philadelphia Story. That is one of my husband and my favorite movies.
Michele sent me!
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:42 pm
That sounds so awesome. I’ve never been but have always wanted to
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:26 pm
A minor comment: I love Rear Window.