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Evening at the Symphony
Thanks to the kindness of a friend, I was able to attend the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with a fellow IHM Sister last night. The program was called “Russian Masters” and was conducted by Antonio Pappano.
The highlight of the night was the appearance of cellist Han-Na Chang. Wow! She rocked the place. The piece she played with the orchestra was Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2, Op. 126. Miss Chang played amazingly — an example of an artist who truly becomes one with her instrument. At one point she even busted a string! She just stopped playing, told the conductor she broke a string, then walked off stage to get a new one! The orchestra immediately stopped playing and everyone waited, tuned their instruments a bit, and then when Miss Chang restrung her cello and tuned in, they started the piece again. Quite fantastic. I told my nun that it reminded me of the song “Devil Went Down to Georgia” (I grew up listening to this on a 45) in which the devil challenges a young fiddler to a duel — his soul being in the balance. Now Miss Chang’s performance was way, way better, but she played that cello as if her life depended on it. It was beautiful to watch and to hear her.
In addition to international recognition as a cellist, Miss Chang (24 years old) is known for her compassion for others. She ”frequently gives free concerts inviting underprivileged children who would otherwise have no opportunity of attending concerts. She also regularly organizes and performs Concerts for Children both in concert halls and on TV in South Korea, her native country. She currently serves as the Roving Goodwill Ambassador for the Korean Red Cross.” (source)
You rock, Han-Na Chang! Thanks for making this world a better, more beautiful place.
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I babysat five kids one summer and one of them loved “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” He listened to it all the time. (It was the early days of CD players, so probably a little after you listened to it.) Isn’t a great performance fantastic when the musician is truly passionate!
There is really nothing like a live performance of beautiful music. Being in its presence while being performed just fills me with gratitude.
Shastakovich is one of my favorite composers esspecially when it comes to his pieces for cello and violin. I am glad that you enjoyed it!
I’d never heard his music before … the next morning I immediately went to iTunes and downloaded No. 1 and No 2. I loved it!
His music is wonderful…I recommend Symphony No 8…mvt. 3 is my favorite…
Sr. Julie:
Glad you enjoyed yourself at the concert. I haven’t been to hear a symphony orchestra in years. When I lived in Vienna, I went often. It was good and very inexpensive.
BTW, did you receive the e-mail I sent you about a week ago?
Thanks.
deerose
You know, deerose, I haven’t even checked my email — thanks for the reminder! I’ll be in touch. And wow, concerts in Vienna?! That must have been awesome. Sister J
And Kate, I’ll check out No.8. Thanks!