It's the holiday season! And one of the things that means for musicians is concerts. I am a community musician, meaning someone who loves to play, and generally doesn't get paid to play.
I am a member of three musical groups - a community orchestra, a community band, and a (French) horn ensemble. The band used to give a holiday-themed concert, but voted to give it up years ago. My horn group gives two concerts a year, one being in December. The community orchestra I'm a member of also gives a December concert. And this year I'm helping out another community orchestra with their holiday concert. So, concerts on December 7, 8, and 15.
On December 7, I am playing Handel's The Messiah with the Waukegan Symphony. The most famous part of the Messiah is the Hallelujah Chorus, which will end our concert. The first part of the Messiah is about Christmas. The second part, which we are not doing, is about Easter. I did not know that Mozart had adapted Handel's original piece. Mozart re-orchestrated, adding horns, clarinet, oboes, bassoons, and flutes to the Messiah. If not for Mozart, I would not be playing the Messiah this month. We are also playing a Christmas carol medley and Beethoven's Choral Fantasy for piano, choir and orchestra. Whew.
The day before that concert, I will playing a concert with the Cor Corp, a (French) horn choir. We always give a December concert, not necessarily holiday-themed, but we usually include at least one seasonal piece. This year it's a very cute arrangement of Jingle Bells and also Carol of the Bells. We're also playing the Star Trek theme in honor of a departed member of the group. And "Band of Brothers" - what beautiful theme music!
The next Sunday I will be playing a concert with the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, not holiday themed, but we are playing music from the Nutcracker. Not so exciting for the horn section as we mostly get to play the upbeats in the waltzes.
I hope everyone will have the chance to hear some holiday music, no matter what holiday you celebrate.
Sounds like you will be busy. I am sure the concerts will bring joy to all who attend. arjeha
ReplyDeleteYes, we always have appreciative audiences.
DeleteYes, December concerts seem to be a life constant! I wonder why we don't have more concerts in the gray of winter, but the music is a bright light in the short gray days of this short month! I have already been to one concert and have 4 more on my calendar!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I will also be going to some concerts as an audience member.
DeleteBecky, I wish this community could gather and hear you play! I do hope to attend at least one holiday concert, and we are driving down to Salt Lake City the day after Christmas for a holiday Cirque show, which should be fun. That said, I can live without the music most retail establishments play.
ReplyDeleteI so agree agree with you on the music in stores and malls!
DeleteAnd it would be awesome to get this writing community together!
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