The Symphony

Two very moving original pieces written and performed by Xavier Foley, currently the Oregon Symphony's Artist-in-Residence. He plays the double bass with a speed, strength, and facility that has to be seen to be believed. We loved every minute.

Then Holst's The Planets : seven tympani, gongs, cymbals, harps, a massive chorus, an organ, a whole corps of horns, another corps of winds, a glockenspiel, on and on. Knocks me to my knees. (Photo made during orchestra tuning, before the conductor arrived.)

If I ever lose interest in listening to a live symphony, I will know then that it's time to go.