Classical Detours
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Powell Symphony Hall
Varoius Thursdays throughout the season
RAC blogger: Debra Kokorudz

I have to admit, the St. Louis Symphony has been on my "must-do" list for a very long time, but unfortunately I had never been. Until last Thursday, that is. Throughout the season, the symphony will perform short concerts centered around a particular country's composers or style of music, called Classical Detours. The concerts are at an earlier time in the evening, are often preceeded by a happy hour, and offered at a reduced price of $20-$30. They are designed for people like me, who maybe couldn't afford the ticket on a Saturday night, or for people who may want to be a little more spontaneous in their plans, or for those who just might want to dip their toes in the water and learn a little bit more about this thing we call classical music. 

One point I do want to make is that the website and the ticket says 6:30 as a start time. This is the time that the concert begins. The happy hour actually starts earlier, at around 5:30. Unfortunately, my friend and I didn't have this information. We had wanted to come and mingle a little before the show, but arrived at about 6:40 and actually missed the first piece in the performance. 

The rest of the evening did not disappoint. This particular Detour was entitled French Style, and featured pieces by five composers. Lucky for us, David Robertson served as the Musical Director of the Orchestre National de Lyon in France so he really knows how to pick 'em when it comes to French composers. In between each piece, he would discuss, not only the composer, but the subject matter that inspired it. For instance, before beginning Phaeton by Saint-Saens, he told the story of the Greek myth, and it really prepared the audience for the dynamic nature of the piece. Prior to L'Arlesienne by Bizet, we learned of the composer's struggle for recognition in his lifetime. And if you think the symphony is stuffy, think again. After pointing out an outstanding, brilliant phrase, David Robertson actually invited the audience to sing it with him and the orchestra! You know, it goes back to the fact that you always like a song better when you know it and can sing along, that's why cover bands are so popular. So I guess the symphony is really like a big, classical cover band! 

David also made the audience feel welcome by discussing "appropriate symphony behavior". The bottom line is, like any musicians, classical musicians want to know the audience is having a good time. When you feel like clapping, it's usually appropriate, so go ahead. The mood of the music can be your guide. (And be aware that if there is a pause in the music, the conductor might take the opportunity to look over his shoulder and see if you are still paying attention! )

We really had a great time listening to the music, and to the stories and insight that the conductor provided. It was clear that both he and the musicians enjoyed this format and the opportunity to connect with the audience in an unexpected way. If we hadn't been so tired, we could have continued our evening and enjoyed special prices on drinks and appetizers by showing our ticket stubs at Vin de Set. Maybe next time for the Polish Dances. I wonder where there's a good pierogi restaurant in town...