“Oh, God, why am I here,” I thought to myself, as I peered about the near-claustrophobic filled room. All of these people jammed into this factory-furnace space to hear classical chamber music? Could it be true?
Don’t get me wrong, I am a long-time enthusiast of classical music, but chamber music can be a bit “snoozy” at times, especially after dinner. To sit in a capacitated room without air conditioning in August, in the South, is as close to hell as I ever want to be. How was I going to keep my eyes open for the entire program?
A wind quintet had assembled to share an assortment of music ranging from Maurice Ravel-to-Samuel Barber and a few in between. This was a part of the Carolina Summer Music Festival. Tonight’s agenda featured “Classical Revolution”.-- Never heard of it.-- With my ears turned up, I soon learned it is a movement across America to share classical chamber music in a non-classic environment. The vision of this collective is to introduce ears of all ages and backgrounds to a genre of music often thought stale or stodgy.
This evening’s venue was located in The Olio…..not your typical theatre or music hall. I have been to many a performance in an art gallery, but this wasn’t even that. “What is this place?”
The Olio is located on an alley-like street in a once-industrial neighborhood near downtown. The area has been revived with yoga studios, cafés, and select artisan ateliers. This place was unique. It is not a gallery/factory/atelier. No, it is a studio with a mission. As the director, Rebeccah Rush, shared with the audience, Olio turns artists into entrepreneurs. The art of glass sculpting is taught to anyone interested from age 12 and up. Simultaneously, other areas of intellect and life experiences’ are also shared, including: science, math, communication, and business practices. I found this very fresh. The goal, here, was not making money, but helping others with their own life. “I like this place,” I whispered to myself.
The music began. Each melody was introduced with a short bio of the composer and an explanation of the piece. Often, a description of the featured instrument was also shared with the audience. I looked about me. The audience was diverse. It wasn’t the stereotypical “blue-hairs” this evening. Watching the eyes of the many children present, I realized the success of such a program. Many in the crowd sat on the edge of their seats, oblivious to the room’s heat. Their attention was not only caught, but held captive, as the instrumentalists shared their talents. There was a special energy here. The performance was one of learning and fellowship.
As if one’s senses weren't occupied enough by the music, the visual intrigue of an artist sculpting glass was simultaneously occurring. Local artist, Sarah Band, was busy crafting a glass oboe over an open flame. Her hands moved with the experience of a seasoned pro as she turned, twisted, and probed the glass. Slowly, the object began to take shape. Yes, it was, indeed, a little glass oboe. One could only grin.
Before I knew it, nearly 90 minutes had passed! With the artists taking their bow, the applauding crowd stood with heartfelt appreciation for a delightful evening. I, too, was among this lot of pleased patrons. Funny, I did not want the evening to end. I wanted to hear more.
Perhaps, that, too, is the goal of Classical Revolution. In any case, this was an evening to remember.
This was a Moment in America.
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