My Podcast Weblog

Brockton Symphony

I've just recorded a 60-second psa for the Brockton Symphony Orchestra's "Nature" concert to be performed this Sunday, October 30, 2011. I think it came out pretty good and hope you agree.

Brockton Symphony Holiday Pops 2010

Here is my ad for this season's Holiday Pops Concert, December 5, 2010.
Technically it features way too many pops (not Pops) and some hum I thought I had filtered out.  It has had plenty of air play this week on local radio station WXBR 1460-AM.

PSA for October 23rd events

Here is a promotional Public Service Announcement for two events the Brockton Library Foundation will host at the Library of October 23rd, an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 and a 50's Sock Hop from 8:00 PM to Midnight.

Brockton Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert

On Sunday afternoon I enjoyed the Brockton Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert at the West Junior High School.  Felix Mendelssohn’s stately yet lovely “Overture to Beautiful Melusine” was followed by two compositions, each by Antonin Dvorak, but quite different from one another.  The beautiful “Romance” featured concertmistress Kristina Nilsson on violin, playing a haunting, soulful evocation of a happy heart.  I felt sorry for the musicians who had to concentrate on the “work” of creating this perfect mood, while I could just be transported by it’s simple melodies and rich variations.  Dvorak’s “Czech Suite” in five movements was a showcase for the entire orchestra.  Even the quiet “Praeludium” opening movement was complex and layered.  Each movement was inspired by folk songs and dances.  Though melodic, it requires attention to detail by musician and listener alike, and is worth it.  The fifth movement, described as “Furiant,” was furious and wonderful.  Maestro James Orent, Music Director, was clearly proud of all the performers.  During the intermission a piano was brought onto the stage for Ludwig von Beethoven’s magnificent “Emperor Concerto” for piano and orchestra featuring Virginia Eskin on piano.  The opening Allegro movement begins with the piano, with incredible interplay between soloist and orchestra, including long sections where the piano is almost forgotten, then emerges stronger still.  Ms. Eskin, slender and elegant in a beautiful gown, was a powerhouse on the keyboard.  The Adagio second movement features one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, then morphs into the third, Rondo with playful phrases amidst a painfully beautiful movement.  Beethoven does it again, and so does the Brockton Symphony Orchestra.  As the concert ended the audience erupted in a spontaneous standing ovation.  I look forward to their next season.