January 12, 2009

No lions...No tigers....but....OH MY!

This past weekend, we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to perform with Cirque de la Symphonie. There was quite a buzz around town regarding this performance, with 2 completely sold out shows (so much so that special seating was added in the orchestra pit section of the stage), and lots of requests for tickets, even on Craigslist!!
So, this blog is mostly for the people that were not able to make it to the concert. The concert combined some phenomenal on-stage aerial flyers, acrobats, a contortionist, dancers, juggler, hula hoop specialist, and strongmen, together with a full program of great music played by your RPO. It is/was a truly unique experience and one that many of us will not forget! Some people have asked me which "act" I liked the most, but for me, it's impossible to pick. Each one was quite riveting as was evidenced by the many "oohs, aahs, and gasps" from the audience. (I also had fun watching some of the facial expressions of the audience members in the front row!) If I had to pick one of the acts that I would like to try, it would have to be the one with the performer doing a very beautiful routine high up in the air supported by nothing but two long sheets of silk. Imagine the Olympics and the men's Rings competition..only there are no rings. I don't know if I could do all the gymnastics involved, but I would love to feel what it was like to fly over the audience and part of the orchestra! :) What I do know is that I came out of there in awe of what the human mind and body are capable of. The acts were very well choreographed to great music, everything from Bizet to John Williams. If you ever get the chance to see this group perform, I'd highly recommend it!

The program had some fairly challenging music with MANY notes for us to play, so yes, it took quite a bit of concentration to stay focused on the music with all that was going on in front of us! :)

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