Sunday, February 1, 2009

Today's Hero: Beth

As Elizabeth Vandervennet - Principal cellist for the Vallejo Symphony Orchestra.

As Gingerbread Candy Monahan, in the fabulous Rosin Coven, the World's Premiere Pagan Lounge Ensemble.

I've loved the cello since infancy, when my father first introduced me to the instrument. For reasons known only to him, he stopped playing when I was very young, and his cello lived on the top shelf in his closet for many years until, one day, it disappeared. I was told it had "been sold", but was never told why. Alas, somewhat typical behavior for someone in my strange family. I've been a devoted cello "follower" for years, with Julian Lloyd Webber being at the top of the heap of my favorite artists of this wonderful instrument.
My far-and-away favorite work for the cello is Josef Haydn's fiendish First Cello Concerto, so I was delighted when the Vallejo Symphony programmed it this season. Last night, it was excellently executed by the orchestra's principal cellist, in a performance that had the audience spellbound, and then out of their seats and on their feet, roaring and screaming, at the conclusion. Kudos to Beth!!

No comments: