November
17-21, 2004
Anchorage, AK
From
the extreme south to the extreme north; that’s how
this trip feels to me! After the near 32-hour flight from
Bulawayo to Phoenix this journey is mild in comparison.
The flight stops in Seattle, then heads up to Anchorage.
I arrive around 9 pm and Sherri Burkhart Reddick, the Executive
Director of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, greets me
at the airport. I grab winter gear out of the suitcase amid
fears I have none, and we hop in the car. We arrive at the
Hotel Captain Cook downtown. Upon entry to the beautiful
suite a delectable fruit and cheese plate await. This touches
me deeply, because consideration like this is a real treat.
After the whirlwind in southern Africa and short recovery
in Phoenix I know this is going to be a nice trip.
I
awake the next day expecting to be in total darkness. To
my surprise there’s light. OK, it’s gray and
terminally sunset-y, but it’s light enough to function.
And, what is there not to enjoy about a prolonged sunset?
Looking outside I see gorgeous mountains surrounding the
city. Surprisingly, Anchorage claims to have milder winters
than Chicago, and it seems that way to me - at least now.
It’s
an easy day: meet with conductor Elizabeth Schultze then
rehearse with the orchestra. There’s plenty of time
to rest, practice, and work out in the phenomenal gym here.
Plus, there’s nothing wrong with vegging out and watching
a movie too.
I
know Elizabeth and have worked with her somewhere, but somehow
I can’t pinpoint where and when. I ask Sherri about
it, and she gives me her general background: Assistant with
National Symphony rings a bell. Yes, that’s it! We
worked together about six years ago with the National Symphony.
It was quite hectic for her, because she had to prepare
two entire concerts in three days’ rehearsal time,
and quite hectic for me because I rehearsed and played the
concert on the same day. We barely had time to say hello
to each other!
This
time is different. We meet an hour before rehearsal, go
over some sections, and enjoy a nice chat. We reminisce
on our first meeting, both of us regretful about how crunched
it was. It’s funny in retrospect but not during the
experience. Rehearsal with the orchestra goes well, the
hall is beautiful, and the people are really nice. I return
to the hotel quite pleased.
The
following day Elizabeth and I appear at the Municipal Library
for what is called “Lunch and Learn.” Randall
Craig Fleischer, Music Director of the Anchorage Symphony
Orchestra and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, began this forum
for concert-goers to introduce upcoming programs with musical
excerpts and learned discussions. It’s a great idea.
There are about 25 people in attendance when Elizabeth starts
the presentation. Her enthusiasm for the music is infectious,
and her commentary on Fidelio is illuminating. I want her
to continue, content on listening the entire hour, but she
wants my two cents. We speak a bit about things, then she
finishes the presentation with insights into Brahms 2. I
am learning just as much as the others in the room.
The
concert is a lot of fun, and the orchestra plays with passion.
Working with Elizabeth again is a real pleasure and watching
the second half of the concert confirms in my mind Elizabeth’s
musical clarity. The hall is close to packed and the audience
appreciative. The viola section gives me some long silk
underwear from REI to keep me warm. And, when I return to
the hotel six luscious chocolate-covered strawberries sit
perched on the table, waiting to be eaten!
It’s
a fast and enjoyable trip. As I leave Anchorage the woman
who checks my bags for Alaska Airlines congratulates me
on last night’s performance. Going through security
one of the TSA agents also has positive comments. And if
that wasn’t enough butter, I am aided in reaching
my instrument during de-planing by a young man who also
attended the concert. After these amazing experiences I
urge everyone to go to Anchorage. The kindness and generosity
in that city are truly a treat!
Interesting
links:
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra:
www.anchoragesymphony.org
Elizabeth Schultz, Music Director of the Maryland Symphony
Orchestra: www.marylandsymphony.org
Alaska Airlines:
www.alaskaair.com
Hotel Captain Cook
(so comfy, unrivaled hospitality, great gym and spa): www.captaincook.com
