One of my guiltiest pleasures is listening to live music performed by Symphony Orchestras. On Friday, October 30, 1993 as a teen I attended a Nancy Wilson and Buffalo Philharmonic Pops performance with my eldest brother at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, New York. This experience set me on a path of live music appreciation and brought music alive for me. Nancy Wilson was considered one of the best song stylist of her generation. She won three grammy awards and recorded more than 70 albums. From that moment on, I wasn't content with listening to music on the radio, on tape, or listening to music on a cd I needed to be in the presence of the musicians and the song artists. Nancy Wilson bedazzled me from my seat and for the entire performance captivated me with songs that I use to hear my momma and grandmother sing around the house. Seeing one of the best Jazz performers of that time performing on stage live as a teen changed the course of my life.
This has lead to me become a patron of the Arts. Over the course of my life, I have had the greatest pleasure to be able to also attend symphony orchestra performances at the Kennedy Center and Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C. and at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. I have also attended college level performances as a student at Canisius College. I enjoy attending performances as a teacher with my elementary students, but also as an individual with my extended family. No matter how many times I attend a symphony orchestra performance it never gets old and it is never boring. There is something so intimate and amazing about being in the presence of such greatness that it is very difficult to explain. Yes, you can watch the same performance on tv or on the internet but there is something just so special and magical about seeing the musicians and musical artists perform in person and experiencing it live. Listening to live symphony music is so magical because you can't contain it, it seeps deep into your soul. It brings musical history to life. You don't get the complete full experience and essence of it at home or by watching it on tv only when you get to experience it in person.
If you haven't experience a symphony orchestra performance lately please make sure you put it to the top of your bucket list, you won't be sorry. I have been told recently to make sure to take your children and grandchildren along no matter how much they protest because one day they will thank you and at the same time you are keeping symphony orchestra music alive for the next generation of music appreciators. For you, young music lovers, be sure to do the same with your elders drag them along to, you all won't be sorry.
I'm hoping to continue my journey of music appreciation and experience the Symphony Orchestras around the world. My greatest wish is that my husband and I will be able to attend performances in Boston, M.A., New York City, N.Y. and Sydney, Australia with our children and teach them first hand about the power and gift of music.
From the desk of Esther Kamoche Robinson 5/14 at 11:07 EST.
Sources: The Buffalo News, Newspapers.com, Wikipedia.missnancywilson.com, wix photo
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