October 6. Day 279. Orchestral manoeuvres in the dark

 If you've never been to the orchestra you should, you totally should. It is frequently considered a high art, for musicians or the culturally elite. I'm none of those things, just a bit of a girl who likes to be entertained and moved. I also like a good story and that doesn't need to involve words. We know it when we hear it. Tonight conductor Carlos Kalmar took us on a journey. Actually, if I'm honest just watching Kalmar was worth the admission price. He was quite possibly the most animated conductor I have ever seen. But back to the journey. Kalmar talked about how frequently music was about moving from darkness into light. He talked about how sometimes "experts" will draw parallels between a composer's personal life and the music they produce at the time. Often the composers think the link is in the critic's head. But, he said in the case of Walton's Symphony No 1 in B flat minor the connection was clear. English composer William Walton began the symphony when he had broken up with the lover. It progressed into the light. We were told about the argument, the argument that goes on and on until both parties are exhausted and there's nothing left to say - but then when the door slams you open up the window and scream that once last thing. And there it was in the music: beautiful and haunting. Music is universal and moving and there's nothing like a live orchestra to allow you to feel it with your whole body. Also, as someone whose normal view of the Concert Hall at QPAC is from the stage during graduations I must say I rather prefer this view.