By MacKenzie Gellner
Photo by Unspalshed
For the first time, I experienced a symphonic performance. It was held in St. Stephen Auditorium by the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, featuring violinists Marco Lorenzini and Kevin Mucaj. It may have had to do with it being a Florentine orchestra, but it was far more magical than what I had expected. Realistically, since having no previous experience to compare, I attempted to not have too high of expectations in case I got my hopes up. The only symphonies I’ve ever seen are in films (and I’m not really sure if that counts).
However, before I stepped foot inside the auditorium, I felt quite out of place. My roommates and I assumed it was an event to dress up for, but upon arrival, we immediately noticed we had spent more time than necessary in the mirror. I mean always better to be over than underdressed, but, I must say, walking on cobblestone in heels was a bit of an unnecessary struggle.
Eventually the towering doors creaked open allowing for the attendees to filter in to hunt for the best seats. The interior of the auditorium was, I’d say, the most unexpected; it was a tall church, with screens blocking the windows to have the sound bounce beautifully. In the middle, aligned in front of a stage, was a collection of fold up chairs facing the front. It was beautiful nonetheless, just merely peculiar to what I had imagined. Along with my roommates, I took my seat and attempted to translate the leaflet. But to no avail. We were left just waiting to see what would happen next.
Not long after, a handful of suited men grasping violins strutted onto the stage fairly distant from the audience. They formed a half circle with their music sheets already ordered in their directed positions. The audience’s chatter slowly muffled until there was a brief moment of silence. Then they began to play. The notes glided across the room, hitting everyone’s ears harmoniously. For a small orchestra, I did not expect the sound to carry as greatly as it did throughout the colossal ceiling. Closing your eyes during a song felt like you were surrounded by violins.
After each song held a transitory moment until the next; the audience would applaud, and, for those of us still grappling with the italian language on the leaflet, there would be a questioning pause to see what, or if, another melody would resonate. Turned into a bit of a guessing game, but also brewed more interest. We knew the final song had ended when members of the audience began standing while applauding until a standing ovation formed; rightfully deserved. The violinists beamed at the sight, though I’m sure those were fairly routine for their level of talent.
Afterwards, my roommates were agreeance with the feeling of wonderment, and even one was caught glossy eyed during the performance. I think music has the power to carry and distribute emotions you may not even realized existed within you. There is more emotion when listening to a musician deliver his heart through a series of strings and notes. As with any concerts, it tends to be about the overall experience opposed to analysing the quality of the sound. Whether it’s an orchestra in Florence or a local band at some dive bar in Utah, it’s nevertheless a memorable affair.