Yestereve, I had the fortunate experience to accompany my dear friend Chris and his father, Mike, to the Florida Orchestra at Ruth Eckerd Hall. It was, in short, an absolutely enchanting experience.
The night began earlier than expected, around 3, as I attempted to find suitable attire for an event who’s dress code was still rather unclear to me, and also promised to be chilly as the night wore on. After trying at least ten different options, I settled on a classic black & white dress, with more than a hint of a nineteen fifties influence, and a pair of patent black pumps. I headed North to Clearwater and arrived at the Smutko residence a mere ten minutes late — a wonder for me.
Chris and Mike both looked sharp in sport coats and slacks & prepared for the evening with a bottle of Pinot Grigio brie & crackers. We sat on the porch & drank wine eagerly anticipating the evening’s entertainment. Around 6 we climbed into the car & headed over to the theatre, which unbeknownst to me was a mere ten minutes from Chris’ house. Having arrived so early, we were guaranteed decent tickets, as student tickets are contingent on available seats. We were fortunate, and got three seats together in the eleventh row. At ten dollars a pop, it bewilders me how young people can resist such a wonderful evening of culture, and yet the vast majority of people loitering outside the theatre were eligible not only for AARP, but also Social Security benefits. The under representation of my generation was indeed saddening, but not altogether unexpected.
After lively discussion that tends to surround the Smuto clan, we entered the theatre and they continued to get liquored up, Mike getting another glass of wine & Chris the requisite scotch. I satisfied myself with a bottle of water, not wanting the potential embarrassment of being ID’d at the orchestra & the likelihood that would ruin my mood enough to spoil the evening. We headed to the outside seating area & whiled away the hour until the show began & before we knew it they ushers announced the beginning of seating & we made our way to aisle 11.
The seats were splendid, and just being so near a group of talented people excited me. Soon enough, the conductor made his was onto the stage & Debussy – “Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun” began delighting my cerebellum. After, came some of Debussy’s Nocturnes. They reminded me curiously of a Hitchcock score & my mind wandered with thoughts of Kim Novak, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly & the like.
Intermission came all too quickly & once again Chris & Mike chose to imbibe, and cajoled me into drinking a glass of champagne– I couldn’t refuse, that would have been impolite…besides who doesn’t love a good glass of champagne at the orchestra of all places?!
Finally, we were at the main event: Gustav Holst, The Planets (!!!!!!) I’d heard it once, a long while ago, but anticipating this evening, I made it my crossword puzzle backing for the week, and so was familiar with what to expect. However, nothing short of actually coming to the orchestra would have prepared me for the live performance. It was absolutely spectacular. I was entranced by the music that enveloped me and the light headiness the champagne left me with allowed for the bit of departure from self necessary to truly appreciate something so beautiful. The opening of Venus, The Bringer of Peace, was enough to ply into my sometimes hardened heart, and make melancholy deliciously beautiful. Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity, absolutely stole the show for me, and I never wanted it to end. It promoted a feeling of Bliss, that one never wants to end, but its transient nature is part of what makes it so lovely and rare. It actually nearly brought tears to my eyes, which is a rarity in itself.
The piece ended and we were all in a state of awe. The drive home was filled with lots of eager talk about the music and the beautiful expression of the hundred year old piece.
We ended the evening with several hours of spirited discourse, with conversation meandering its way through the maze of matters that often follow moments of inspiration. Such meaningful discussion was the perfect note on which to end the eventful eve.
Upon arrival home just past midnight, I slept, while visions of the stars swam through the spaces of my mind.
—Listen to my favorite:
