Watching Concerts

UBC student music groups holds concerts throughout the semester. Fortunately, the past two months, I went for 6 in total. First, Symphony Orchestra. Dvorak no8 was filled with cheeky melodies and a delight to listen.

The Chan Centre was at full capacity. Being late, the only seats for me were on second level right behind the first violins. Being so near to the orchestra made me miss being part of nusso.

My first thought was how teeny the band was.  Concert Winds.

The next day was Part II. Second part of Made in Canada played by Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Was expecting more from the Saxophone soloist in the concerto but the performance was too mild.

Choir performed in many styles from baroque to classical, opera and contemporary. And also Christmas Music. Their heavenly voices lulled me to sleep for abit and it could have been the best sleeps I had during a concert.

Held at the recital hall, I was looking forward to the Early Music Ensemble. Instruments as varied as the lute to the sackbut, harpsichord,baroque viola and voice; the small ensemble groups were intriguing to watch in such an intimate setting. 

The recital hall may be too small for the power of the trumpet section. Even then, the jazz orchestra played some nice tunes. The slow songs such as the elegy would have been too long and draggy if not for the thoughtful solos in the pianos and horns. Also played was 'In a Sentimental Mood', although played very unsentimentally. Ended of with a fast number,composed by a Music student, that incorporated laughs and such.

If only I had the chance to play oboe here. Listening to music is only a fraction of the fun that comes from practising with a group. At least there are still those guitar sessions with my roommates.