I have been going to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the Philadelphia Orchestra perform every summer for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved bringing snacks, spreading a picnic blanket on the lawn, and listening to the music. I never thought I would have the opportunity to play on that stage myself, but a couple of weeks ago a friend of mine who works with the School of Orchestral Studies (the high school music camp in the New York State Summer School of the Arts) texted me to say that they needed a harpist for their final concert. Was I interested? Oh, and by the way, the concert would be at SPAC. I was definitely interested!
[My first look from backstage…]
The concert went really well and it was so much fun to be able to play on that stage! At the end of the final rehearsal, the conductor shook my hand and said he hoped I would come back and play with them next year. I told him I didn’t - I hoped that they would get a harp student! I’d rather someone take advantage of the chance to go to SOS than keep the opportunity to play at SPAC to myself. My own students are a little too young yet, but maybe in a few years??
[My sister took a picture during the concert. There’s me and my harp!]