Story by Michael Guidice
Cannons exploded, the Pinot flowed and beautiful music was produced as the Eugene Symphony unofficially commenced its 46th season Saturday evening at the Cuthbert Amphitheater.
Despite the ominously overcast sky the concert was miraculously untouched by the warm summer rain as conductor and music director Danail Rachev masterfully led his orchestra throughout the evening.
While the weather may have left something to be desired, the symphony’s performance certainly did not. The “sold out” (tickets were free) venue pulsated with approval and appreciation from the crowd of predominantly middle-aged and elderly people.
In the interest of full disclosure, I admit that this was my first experience with live classical music. Growing up, however, some of my earliest musical memories involve me listening to Beethoven and Mozart on cassette. With that being said, my small tape collection also included the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie soundtrack (Vanilla Ice, anyone?) and No Doubt. (I have two sisters—also, Tragic Kingdom was just that awesome.) Needless to say, I’m no connoisseur of the classics.
Rachev, a Bulgarian with extensive symphony experience both locally and globally, delighted the crowd with his European charm and charisma. Performing a wide range of familiar classics ranging from Italian pieces by Verdi and Puccini to American works by Gershwin, the conductor animatedly led his ensemble as he meticulously crafted scenes with his hands and in turn, the instruments.
Accompanied by the diminutive tenor with the deep and resonating voice, Jeffrey Halili, and the charismatic, sultry soprano, Elizabeth Norman, the performance was taken to another level when the duo was able to showcase their powerful pipes.
At one point an attendee next to me said aloud what most had to be thinking in astonishment: “Where’s all the sound coming from?” in reference to Halili as he immaculately bellowed out notes seemingly meant for men at least twice his size.
Adding powerful vocals to scintillating instrumentals was enough to leave this novice symphony-goer incredibly impressed and wanting more.
While my past experiences at the Cuthbert have been memorable, I had never been so immersed in art, culture and history at a musical performance. In the past, The Roots and Kid Cudi may have satiated my need for bass-heavy beats and crass lyricism, but I left the Cuthbert Saturday night feeling as if I had just been a part of something more than just music—as corny or clichéd as that might sound.
Trading in the Natty Light for Chardonnay and baseball caps for a bowties once in a while could do us all good—especially the college-age demographic. Classical music has a negative stigma attached to it that must be broken through if you are the type who appreciates beautiful sounds regardless of the genre.
Going forward, the Eugene Symphony’s official opening night is September 22 in their normal venue, the illustrious Hult Center downtown. With a uniquely themed show to follow every three to four weeks until May, two particularly special performances are sure to garner attention: First, journalist Tom Brokaw will narrate “A Lincoln Portrait” in November followed by the family-friendly “Disney in Concert,” set to hit Eugene early next year.
Ultimately, wherever your interests may lie, I strongly recommend checking out the Eugene Symphony during your tenure in Track Town because you won’t be disappointed—even if they can’t set off the cannons indoors.
