I am adding an item to the list of MSPTAFCiMM (Moments So Perfect They Are Forever Crystallized in My Memory): watching fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl to Leonard Slatkin conducting one of my all-time favorite pieces, Mussourgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Hearing “The Great Gate of Kiev” booming out over the Bowl as brilliant lights exploded overhead was truly one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. It’s all the funnier because before the show I really wasn’t excited about seeing the fireworks at all, but as soon as they started I gasped and gaped like a little kid. I was actually quivery with awe, the way we do get when we’re very young but rarely get to feel again after we’re older. And I definitely wasn’t the only one. The guy next to me, all cool with his hoodie and iPhone, couldn’t stop exclaiming every time a new shower of sparks hit the air.
I am so delighted with the Hollywood Bowl that I am going to see what other tickets we can get, besides the four other concerts we’ve already paid for. I can’t believe I haven’t gone before this. It’s actually a really lovely classical-music listening experience, a perfect blend of traditional classical concerts and a more modern, relaxed atmosphere with food and giant TV screens. I quite enjoyed it. Leonard Slatkin isn’t one of my favorite conductors, but he made up for his pretty standard interpretations by being really fun to watch. The audience actually applauded after “Ballad of the Chicks in Their Shells” because he was just so endearingly funny while conducting it; it’s a cute little piece anyway. Gil Shaham, also, isn’t one of my favorite violinists, but being able to see his fingers move like water on the huge screen, and his smiles while playing with Slatkin, was pretty worth it. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a concert more, and that’s saying a lot.
All in all, Ying and I had an excellent evening and are already planning future Bowl excursions.
AND TOMORROW IS HARRY POTTER OMG OMG *clapclapclapclapclap* SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!
[This post was imported on 4/10/14 from my old blog at satsumabug.livejournal.com.]
satsumabug.com | Lisa Hsia 
Where did you sit? I don’t think I’ve ever been lower/closer than the last three sections and sadly I’m starting to not enjoy the Hollywood Bowl anymore because of the drunken riff-raff I always end up being next to. I think next year I need to get more expensive tickets away from the hoi polloi. 😉 (I stopped going to Hollywood Forever screenings for the same reason; I’m getting so old and can’t deal with drunks/talkers/etc. anymore!)
Err, sorry if my comment sounded too negative on your happy post! I’m glad you had a good time! 🙂
Not at all!
Emily, we were in the SuperSeats — section H I think? I certainly can imagine how horrible it’d be to be sitting near drunks. We were instead surrounded by six middle-aged gay men, two younger gay men, and a Swedish family, which was a quite entertaining (and courteous) combination.
I’d been wondering about Hollywood Forever and I’m glad you mentioned it, because I’d gotten the sense from reading blogs that they were pretty loud and kind of unpleasant for non-drinker-talkers. I don’t think I will be trying it out.
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