I promise- I did not mean to post this the same day as Larry
Fennelly’s review in Out and About. In fact I am purposely waiting to read it
until after I post this. It’s really my own fault for waiting so long to post.
Anyways…
WOW. First- congrats to all of the staff at The Grand Opera
House, this was an amazing show and I am so happy I got to see it. I had
promised myself I would NOT miss Robert McDuffie’s next performance in Macon. I
had to miss the last one for whatever reason or another, I am not sure why I
just know I meant to go and didn’t. I am also happy to have been able to see
the McDuffie Center String Ensemble. We have such talent here in Macon because
of Mercer. Which brings me to my second thank you, to Mercer University, I am so proud to have attended this fine
university, and even more so now . My third thank you, to everyone who
attended, I would have expected in typical Macon fashion for there to have been
seating a plenty before the show but there wasn’t- in fact it was standing room
only and I believe people may have had to leave.
I also now have a new favorite classical song: “ One Note
Samba”. Steve Moretti’s percussion performance was truly remarkable. And it was
fun to see him and his wife, Amy Schwartz Moretti, perform together. I have
seen her perform via YouTube before and already had an appreciation for her
work. I also enjoy shows like this that perform familiar numbers such as “ It
Ain’t Necessarily So” by Gershwin and “Adagio” by Samuel Barber. It’s kind of
like when you get to see a Picasso for the first time in person, and really
every time after that (I have seen two Picasso exhibits): it’s just awe
inspiring to feel that music that you have seen in the movies in person. And
even if you are not familiar with the music, like my introduction to “One Note
Samba”, there’s just something about seeing it in person and watching the
performers and how they connect to the music that makes it more alive. Pardon
me, but even as often as I write I still struggle to accurately describe how live
performances, especially of classical music, move me.
I can say this- I am going to make a more concerted effort
to go to live performances. Whether it be classical music at Mercer or the Macon
Symphony or even live theater, Macon has SO MUCH to offer. For anyone to say we
do not have the amount of culture as Atlanta or even Savannah makes me want to
pull my hair out. If you ever feel tempted to say it- reach out to someone and
ask “what’s going on this week?” Heck- reach out to me, I don’t mind. Even if I
don’t know I generally know who to ask!
That being said- who all did I see at this performance? I
know you want to know. Right as I walked in I ran into Mayor and Dele Reichert
(who just celebrated a birthday- be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!) as well
as Susannah Cox Maddux and Collin Holder- manning the I Love Macon sign up
table. I also later saw Catherine and Brother Liles, who I know from church, as
well as Sarah Gerwig and her two lovely sons. Frankly, it was so packed in
there it was hard to see everyone I knew. I know there were more I know in
attendance.
The lesson here? If you missed it, well I feel sorry for
you, but be sure to not miss the next performance of live music. Perhaps you
will spy the next Robert McDuffie performing.
Now, something else you don't want to miss is the Bravo! event with Ward Stare. You remember Bravo! The Social Club of the Grand Opera House, I have written about it before. This is a private event for members only and really, they ask that you RSVP first. (We all know about RSVP'ing, it's just polite.) It's just $40 for membership to the club and not only do you get to meet Ward Stare but there are all kinds of other benefits. To join or renew your membership, email Betsy at fitzgerald_me@mercer.edu. So, I'll see you there, right? Right!
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