Sitting in the Conductor's Circle at the Kimmel Center is an exciting experience of sight and secrets revealed.  Who else knew that the face and hands of the conductor, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, were so expressive, and that the solo pianist, Emanuel Ax, glowed with pleasure, and he could hardly wait for his opening notes of the Mozart piano concerto.  I was also reminded of an observation I made in junior high school while singing with our orchestra, that the wind and brass instruments must be drained constantly during a performance.  Just a little fact of human breath that is poured out to create that glorious music.

The sound is aimed out to the huge audience in front, so that it is not as good behind the musicians, but still very satisfying.  Later, as Mr. Frühbeck grandly pointed at what appeared to be me (of course it must have been the brass section), I truly wanted to do something to join in because I felt included in the gathering of musicians seated below me.  It was a heady feeling to be so close to the greatness taking place before me.  What a pleasure to have this opportunity to absorb the music by osmosis right through my skin.  Fantastic!

Joan Torello