I love live music – all kinds of genres in almost any venue.
Recently all the stars aligned into my idea of a perfect evening…visiting a friend in my favourite city of Vancouver…seeing the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra perform in the beautiful Orpheum Theatre…hearing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 performed before a sold out house…conducted by the VSO’s Music Director, Bramwell Tovey.
While he and I have not yet met, I’ve admired Maestro Tovey from afar for some time now. I first became acquainted with him when I lived in Winnipeg and he was the artistic director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Over the years I’ve heard him conduct several different orchestras, give pre-concert talks, and speak at a music conference. He is a fine musician and his list of accomplishments is long and impressive.
But the thing I admire most about Maestro Tovey is his ability to connect with the audience. He makes the world of classical music approachable, understandable, and – dare I say – enjoyable. The next time Maestro Tovey is in town, be sure to get tickets. It will be a perfect evening.