The approach to the magnificent hall is very picturesque, not unlike walking the path to Lincoln Center in New York: a showy spectacle of large light-filled windows inviting music lovers to enter. All that is missing is the gurgling fountain.
The hall itself, not to be outdone by the very impressive foyer, is a masterpiece of golden wood, a feast for the eyes. The most amazing feature of this wonderland is the back wall, covered by a curtain last night, which operates like a huge garage door, opening up to reveal a giant green space that becomes lawn seating for summer concerts. I must put that on the agenda for the future.
Big names have been guests at Weill Hall; Yo-Yo Ma played to a sold-out crowd just a couple of weeks ago. How I would have loved to be in that audience, but the tickets were snapped up by season ticket holders, so I lost out. However, because she is not nearly as well known locally as the famed cellist, tickets were available for a concert with Tony Award winner, Barbara Cook, now 85 years old. I'm here to tell you: she can still hit those high notes! I was captivated.
Big names have been guests at Weill Hall; Yo-Yo Ma played to a sold-out crowd just a couple of weeks ago. How I would have loved to be in that audience, but the tickets were snapped up by season ticket holders, so I lost out. However, because she is not nearly as well known locally as the famed cellist, tickets were available for a concert with Tony Award winner, Barbara Cook, now 85 years old. I'm here to tell you: she can still hit those high notes! I was captivated.
The crowning moment for me was her encore number, John Lennon's Imagine, one of my favorite songs. She put aside her hand mic and walked slowly, holding her cane for support, to the front of the stage.
And sang. Softly. The incredible acoustics carried her voice to every nook and cranny of the hall, and she delivered Lennon's powerful message with the emotional force of an atom bomb. It was stunning.
An enchanted evening, indeed.
Oh, that sounds like so much fun! I majored in music in college...love every kind there is. Yo Yo Ma would have been wonderful! Barbara Cook...I didn't realize she was that old! Sounds like she made for a great evening, too! Love that song, as well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful concert hall. Glad to hear about the experience. And now it's almost time for the season finale of "Downton Abbey"!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an enchanted evening indeed. Did you know that my home in MA is in the same town as Tanglewood? I've spent many an enchanted evening there. Weather permitting, my preference is to listen to the music on the lawn under the stars. Delicious picnic, yummy wine, glorious music, and all that sky. Heaven!
ReplyDeleteOh, lucky you! It sounds magical!
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It sounds like a magical evening and the hall is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAn enchanted evening indeed! The new concert hall is lovely, I can see many an enjoyable evening will be spend there. Greetings from Maine, Julie.
ReplyDelete