Another Bassonist

Yesterday I posted the photo of bassoonist Andrea who is a member of the JCC Symphony Orchestra.  She and Larry played a piece of Johann Baptist Vanhal's Concerto for 2 Bassoons and Orchestra.  Larry began his music studies when he was 8, first on the clarinet, switching to bassoon when he was 12.  Currently he is the principal bassoonist in both the  Health Sciences Orchestra and the Minnetonka Civic Orchestra.  Larry and his wife Suzanne share their home with two Bernese mountain dogs, Butler and Chef.

Last night DH and I went to the JCC Symphony Fall Concert, the first of three free events which is supported by endowment funds.  Andrea began playing the bassoon as an adult--a present to herself on completing graduate school.  She joined the JCC Symphony in the early 1980s and has served as the orchestra's librarian since 1985. Andrea and her husband share their home with a 32-year-old red lored Amazon parrot named Fanny.

ABC Wednesday-Virtuosos

String instruments make my heart sing.  Our neighborhood JCC (Jewish Community Center) has an annual series of FREE concerts each year which we always attend. The musicians are dedicated as well as gifted. On May 18, 2009 I posted several photos of the concert I had attended then, also with more explanation. Go here to see more and to read about the program. The new concertmaster is a female who is from Russia, and she has been well-received by the community of music lovers of all faiths.  I feel so lucky to be living in this city and especially my neighborhood that prizes the fine arts as it does. 

To see more ABC photos of bloggers from around the world, click here.

Musical circles - #10

Through the generosity of a former member of the JCC, each year the public is able to attend several free concerts conducted by the St. Paul Jewish Community Center Symphony Orchestra. Last night I was treated to an evening of a splendid musical performance which included "Overture to Ruy Blas" by Mendelssohn, "Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K.466" by Mozart and "Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90" by Johannes Brahms. What a wonderful gift to the community!