Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I did not pass through the green door - but I did enter across the way.


Gran Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous theaters in Europe - constructed at the very heart of Italian Baroque music. 

We entered the doors and ascended the lavish staircase. I felt my artist take hold of my coat sleeve as he paused halfway up. "I can't play here - it's the FENICE and that's my name on the playbill!"

Having four kids is an asset to me in this line of work - you learn how to power through the impossible.

"Rubbish! Of course you can, and will! Oh, looky at all the gold!"

I am a lucky manager for my pianist is darling in the extreme, and easy to encourage. I took his coat and scores in my hands as he mounted the stage in the Sala Appolinee to practice. I sat down and listened as the spirits of Vivaldi and Bach entered the room and took their places along the upper banister, waiting to hear how he would interpret their timeless notes. He struck just one, and the tears began to fall.


These are my favorite moments with him. I sit, I snap a few pictures, I walk the room and observe. Sometimes I will catch his eye and feel the very soul of him - a soul which is most evident when he plays.
 

Growing up a simple girl in Los Angeles, never did I dream that I would be there, in that place, on that day. Come to think of it, I did not think I would be in this place, on this day, either.

12 comments:

MarmePurl said...

you are an amazing example of 'bloom where you are planted'

Out on the prairie said...

What an amazing venue to play.

charlotte mgcc said...

Thank you for visiting the Mennonite Girls Can Cook today. I thought I would come visit you in Europe, and I am very impressed. You have me wanting to visit Europe in person again. I am glad to hear that you can find the ingredients for our recipes in Europe and enjoy them. Wishing you a wonderful day.

MTWaggin said...

Absolutely amazing and beautiful. You are one LUCKY GIRL!

TexWisGirl said...

felt a great deal of heart in this one... :)

Nancy said...

You just never know, do you? :)

Meg said...

Goodness your journey is an amazing one! Such a breathtaking path you get to take. The theater is just gorgeous, and I bet it is even more so in person! (Hehe, I had to laugh at "Oh, looky at all the gold!" )

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Alison this is beautiful I can almost hear his beautiful music.. Good dreams come true piece. B

Jeanne said...

Gorgeous and thank you for sharing this very special occassion!

Randy said...

What a beautiful place. Love that mirror.

Michael Rowland said...

How wonderful to hear such great music in such a special place, wow,,,M

Carol said...

Dear Allison, Call it serendipity or whatever but it surely is a laugh to discover your blog by clicking on a new follower of mine who does not have a link to her blog. So I clicked on your link as it was the first other blog this new blogger follower Pam follows. If you have not lost me yet, it is all so amazing really as I was just standing in this great theater this past November. It was a dream come true for me to see Wagner surrounded by all that gold and to visit Venice. Your story of your 'artist' is so touching. I can understand being a bit nervous . . . to play in such a historical place. Oh, but your artist must be a fabulous musician. I am so delighted to have found you in this blog world and look forward to following you. Beautiful photos! Carol