Sue Ellen’s G string broke just before the interval, wine was flowing freely, the crowd of several thousand was in good spirits, dancing was definitely encouraged, all this and more for Launceston’s annual TSO Symphony Under the Stars in City Park. A whole year has passed since my last foray into this concert complete with full orchestra, and to the uninitiated who think classical music is purely highbrow stuff limited to the toffs, attendance at this event would soon change your mind.
Compere Christopher Lawrence from ABC Radio kept the banter going with Sebastian Lang-Lessing, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Naomi was advised the police were on their way if she didn’t move her car which was blocking Cameron St, the crowd were admonished for their lack of dress compared to the regulation black tie and tails of the gentlemen in the orchestra, we were updated on how many kilos Sebastian had lost as he sweated the evening away amid claims he dried himself off with a hair dryer during the interval.
Sebastian dedicated the night to the late great Dame Joan Sutherland, and Soprano soloist Lorina Gore delighted us with arias from several operas the Dame had sung. No stuffy singing here either, she obviously loves what she does and her bright personality shone through as she danced across the stage and managed Sebastian’s playful teasing while his trusty baton kept the music going.
And Sebastian Lang-Lessing was an entertainment within himself, jumping around and contorting himself as he brought out the best in the orchestra under his direction. From the soothing romantic strains of Rachmaninov, well known as well as lesser known symphonies from a variety of composers, to lively Mexican symphonies, through to the traditional can-can finale, the crowd clapped and hollered and whistled and kicked up their heels.
Not what you’d usually expect at a classical music concert, but one which is now definitely on my annual list of events not to be missed.
Oh, by the way, Sue Ellen was a cellist.
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