Not having being exposed to classical music throughout my life, I've resisted putting any effort into exploring this type of music, considering it would be an acquired taste that would take years and a good deal of knowledge to appreciate. How wrong I was.
***** ***** *****
I was considerably worn out when I arrived at Albany. It wasn't just the 3.30am start, or gaining 3 hours as I crossed the country, but the noise of the flight and terminals that tired me. However, a shower and an hour's relaxation revived me.
Once seated with Lola on the front pew at St John's Anglican Church at 4pm, Lola realised that the performance we'd come for was in fact a world class orchestra rather than the local production she was expecting. This was my introduction to classical music that Lola had been waiting for, not knowing when or how I would recognise its beauty, just having confidence in my ability to appreciate it.
So there we were sitting only a metre from the lead violinist of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne, and I was so deeply moved by the sight and sound of such musicians that I was overcome with emotion.
Russian-born solo violinist, Sergey Didorenko, held such wonderfully intimate rapport with his fellow musicians throughout the entire performance that was so beautiful and enlightening to witness from such a close-up position. His endearing smile will stay with me for a long long time. He communicated with the orchestra members individually with his genuine smile and his eyes full of words and passion.
During the performance of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, I sat so close to the attractive young lead violinist from Perth that I could feel his passion and love for the music he played. He too communicated with his fellow musicians with his expressive face.
Their body language clearly showed they were in raptures playing their music. The solo and lead violinists made a huge impression on me, and every minute of the performance made a lasting impression on me; beautiful memories, exquisite music.
***** ***** *****
And special too, was sharing this experience with Lola; Lola who appreciates the beauty, complexity and emotion of truly good classical music; Lola who is a special friend.
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| St John's Anglican Church, Albany, WA |

