Last week we noticed that the Mahler Symphony #2 (Resurrection) was being performed this weekend, so I walked over to the symphony hall (that is, attempted to walk, got a little lost and hailed a cab to get me there) but was told the symphony was sold out. The agent gave me a telephone number to call to check further if any tickets might be available. So I walked home (without any miss-direction this time) and called the number I was given. At this number, Mr. Egami confirmed that the performance was sold out. In my attempt to ask him (several different ways) if tickets are turned in for resale the day of the performance, he finally said that he had a couple of "guest" tickets available - assumption here is theaters/venues all over hold back good tickets in case VIPs need tickets at the last minute. He also said he was looking forward to meeting Watt-san. The end result is that Mr. Egami was at the door with our tickets - no higher priced than listed - and we sat in the 8th row, dead center. When the orchestra started playing we were enveloped in absolutely beautiful music.
I recall several years ago our neighbors Sue and Gary had given us tickets they couldn't use to the SF Symphony, and we heard the Mahler Resurrection symphony then for the first time. I was so moved by the incredibly beautiful soft singing of the chorus after the crashing, intense music previous to their entry that I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. The symphony we heard last night was just as beautiful. Interestingly, even though there was applause after the performance for well over 10 minutes, not one person stood in ovation. It's not the custom here to stand unless the performance is unusually outstanding. Heard a few bravos, though. It will be interesting to see on Tuesday how the Mariinsky Symphony is received.
I now have a new friend, Egami-san, at the symphony. I hope to contact him often!!
