Having attended classical and opera performances in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston, St. Louis, Europe and many other venues, I was amazed that there was no control in Asheville over the continuing late entrance of so many people. I was near a stairwell and could hear talking in the hallway downstairs, as well. There were only 2 ushers, who could not keep up with the flow of at least 100 latecomers throughout the concert hall. The first composition began without regard to the entering crowd (as a conductor I contolled this aspect of the beginning of a performance, and it is easy to also instruct the ushers on the protocol). The house lights should be kept up until the doors are closed, and then begin the performance. Simple. The first composition was elegant, and nuanced, and I simply closed my eyes to appreciate it as best I could, considering the people groping their way in the dark and several with the flashlights of the ushers, all the while trying to block out the talking from the hallway and stairs. The first piece was just concluding as the last of the audience members settled into their seats
U.S. Cellular Center Asheville @
- Asheville @
, NC @
- Sat, Apr 20, 2013 @
Favorite moment: Unfortunately, it was the beginning of the second piece on the program, Flos Campi., when I could hear the performers. @