October 2006

Opening Night and Artistic Responsibility

October 8, 2006 09:07

"The Little Prince" opened last night in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was enthusiastically received by the audience. Many beautiful things happened on stage and in the orchestra, including the stunning five-measure chorale during which the cast sings "Eyes are blind, one sees rightly with the heart." After the performance there was a reception to which everyone involved in the production was invited, during which the music director introduced everyone, showing herself to be incredibly articulate, witty, and truly grateful for having had the opportunity to direct this work here.

Of course, after that there was a "real" party for the cast, during which I spoke briefly with one of the cast members. When we spoke, she said "We never take things for granted that we have to do on stage."

Wise words from a musician, and a thought that we should all really take to heart. As artists, we have a responsibility to our audiences, an obligation to our teachers and colleagues, and an obligation to ourselves to do nothing but the best that we can - truly THE BEST that we can - in every performing situation: a responsibility to make every note meaningful and to behave, as Menuhin said, "in a manner that upholds the dignity of our profession."

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