Bridging The Divide | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Bridging The Divide

2018's Opening of the Boston Pops

268
Bridging The Divide
Getty

Enveloped amongst hundreds of eager concert goers, surrounded by the glistening chandeliers above, and hypnotized by the smells of hors d’oeuvres summarized the moments leading up to the Opening Night of the Boston Pops. Women in sparkles, wives in lace, men in suits with a sultry smirk on their face. The musicians made their way onto the Symphony Hall stage, both eager and calm, warming up until the concertmaster stood to tune at 8:05 pm. Keith Lockhart glided downstage, warmly addressing the audience for the 133rd year of the Boston Pops. The first half of the performance attended to a brief history of the life of Leonard Bernstein, as well as a representation of his achievements in his 72 years. Lockhart introduced each new work with a brief history as to where it was situated in Bernstein’s compositional output and overall significance in history. Some, including “Mambo” from West Side Story, were accompanied by visual effects and videos. In this case, a montage of dance from movies throughout the past century was carefully timed to the orchestra’s live performance. Each new piece had a timed lighting cue, enhancing the ambience of the evening overall. Legato lines whooshed past, and staccato, pianissimo phrases encouraged audience members to lean in a bit closer. Lasting exactly one hour, the program ended with as much excitement as it began, if not even more. Many young people scattered the audience, and one look at the program for the second half proved such an observation.

Pop sensation Andy Grammer was to perform selections from his music for the next hour. As the members of the audience returned and Grammer walked out onto the stage, the environment within the hall changed immediately from Friday evening opera goer to teen heartthrob arena. I, having been a member of both of these groups growing up, found it encouraging to see a pop music star collaborate with a full, well respected, live orchestra. Grammer, who seemed to connect with members of the audience even more than Lockhart, addressed the importance of both vocal music and orchestra music alone respectively, but the power that they may bring as a force, together. The connection established with members of the audience who could be identified as stereotypical enjoyers of “stuffy” classical music, and their inherent interest in new music should not be overlooked. This performance perhaps brought music lovers to symphony hall that may have never listened as deeply to classical music as before that evening, and introduced especially an older generation to the current trends of the day. It also must have been a startling, though comfortable environment for Grammer, where instead of a large arena or convention center, he was able to share his passion for music with a different crowd–the true meaning of music.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190718
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15174
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458057
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26725
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments