Saturday, October 4, 2008

At the Symphony Hall

Today was a free day of music at the symphony hall downtown. We decided to take advantage of it and Hudson had a *great* time. The first thing we did, which turned out to be the biggest hit, was to visit the instrument petting zoo. It was a tent set up just outside the symphony hall building where kids can try out a violin, trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, drums, and triangles. They had cleaning spray for all the woodwind & brass instruments so we didn't have to worry about getting germs from other kids. Hudson showed more interest in the instruments than the percussion. He did very well with the violin and actually sounded out some notes!

We then went inside and sat right in front for a symphonic brass concert in the atrium. They performed Canzon Duodecimi Toni Sacra Symphony by Giovanni Gabrieli, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel, Cantata No. 118 by Bach, Ave Maria by Anton Bruchner, Dies Irae by contemporary composer David Sartor, and Five Movements from Divertimento by Raymond Premru. Hudson sat through the entire concert with hands clasped and watching closely.

After that was over, we had some lunch and then Hudson asked to go back to the petting zoo. We went outside and caught them just a few minutes before closing it up. He became much more interested in the trombone. I think the Symphonic Brass inspired him! We went back inside and sat down inside the beautiful concert hall and saw the Cool Springs Symphony. Hudson and Mommy both fell asleep (Hudson played a soccer game early that morning!). The music was beautiful and very relaxing. 

After that we decided to go home, even though there were still many more hours of free music. It was a lot of fun and we will definitely do this again next year. Hudson now has time to decide what his favorite instrument is...