As the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Benefit Concert at Sanders Theatre approaches on Saturday, May 19, 2012, I reflect on my last concert performed at this elusive venue.
I cannot believe it has been almost 25 years. The Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (GBYSO) allowed me to perform in three outstanding music halls in the area as a youth: Symphony Hall, Jordan and Sanders Theatre. And in my adult life, I've had the privilege of performing in Symphony Hall twice and Jordan Hall three times but Sanders Theatre has always escaped me.
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, in my 19th season as a member of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, the venues will come full circle. There is one catch: I will not be joining the orchestra on stage. My responsibilities as Marketing & Publicity will take precedence and won't allow me to finish my "Boston Music Hall Cycle." This role within the organization has grown immensely over the last couple of years. I must focus my efforts elsewhere and I have come to terms with not performing there again.
So I still have Sunday, June 14, 1987. That afternoon, as the Los Angeles Lakers were completing a 6-game series victory over the Boston Celtics to win the front end of back-to-back titles (the NBA's first in my then lifetime), I performed my last ever performance indoors* as a member of the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. It was an amazing afternoon filled with energy and emotion as a four year journey ended with so many life experiences that I still continue to cherish. To this day, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 will always bring a smile when I play or hear it performed.
If I had a chance before the Benefit Concert on May 19th, I would like to look out from the stage and take a moment to remember what someone once said to me: Play every concert like it will be your last. For me, it will be 25 years for Sanders Theatre and counting.
(* We performed on the Hatch Shell Esplanade later that month and our Music Director, Eiji Oue allowed me to play for our last ever performance of that season. Oh, by the way, I'm also looking to get back on the Hatch Shell too...)
