As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, we’re excited to feature a new storytelling series in The Score, written by Paige Perkins and told through the voice of our fictional friend, Pert- the GSO’s most enthusiastic (and possibly longest-serving) supporter. With humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Southern charm, Pert will guide readers through the GSO’s early days and its evolution into the vibrant organization it is today.
Written by lifelong music lover and natural storyteller Paige Perkins, these monthly tales offer a delightful peek behind the curtain of our rich history.
We hope you’ll follow along-and as Pert would say, “Stay out of treble!”
The girls and I were having brunch the other day at Seasons. Have you been there? Oh, you have to go, it’s lovely. Anyway, I was telling them how I was sharing my memories about the last 75 years of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. Merle, who’s an interrupter, said she thought it odd I hadn’t talked about the folks who actually play the instruments or sing in the choir – the actual musicians. Oh, I cannot stand when Merle interrupts. But, this time she was right, and I can’t stand that even more.
As you all remember the entire symphony started as a volunteer group of talented musicians who answered an ad in the Marietta Daily Journal. From there, the group grew like a Tulip Poplar, fast and furious. In those first 30 years I’m told 1000 volunteer musicians passed through the symphony. They came from all walks of life and musical backgrounds. Some were music teachers and others were retired military band members. We had students and professors sitting side by side, with many going on to make a professional career of their talent. And, just because it was a volunteer didn’t mean they shied away from challenging pieces. Oh no!
There’s one performance I remember vividly. We were in the new Arts Theater, with Haydn’s Concerto in C Major featured. The cellist was a professor from Georgia State, and was quite notable. From the very beginning it was a virtuoso performance by this remarkable cellist and our wonderful symphony. It was transcendent and by the end I found myself in tears. A handkerchief appeared from behind my right shoulder, which I gladly accepted. It wasn’t until the lights came up for intermission that I realized it was a man’s handkerchief. More about that later!
Back to our orchestra, we now have what they call a hybrid of both professional and volunteer
musicians. I’m told that’s a rarity in today’s symphonic world. Their performances prove that it’s truly the best of both worlds.
Oh, now what have I forgotten? Oh yes! The Chorus!
I’m sure you know that the GSO has a wonderful Chorus that’s been part of the GSO family since 2007. Now, if I’m repeating myself please just ignore this, but the whole reason we invited musicians to Mrs. Arthur Moore’s house so long ago was because we wanted to sing. Sing hymns specifically, and we thought it would be nice to have some musicians play along. So though it took a minute for the Chorus to arrive, boy when it did it’s been something special.
They’re a volunteer group of talented folks who perform with both the orchestra and by themselves. A few years back they performed Carmina Burana and they brought the house down. We were all on the edge of our seats. You can’t help it! I felt like I was in the middle of a movie. It was so majestic and just cinematic. I can’t even remember how long that standing ovation was, but I know I jumped to my feet immediately.
Just as beautiful, but in such a different way, was their performance this past spring. I’m tearing up just thinking about it. They sang the Song for Athene and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Even if you didn’t know it was sung at Princess Diana’s funeral, which of course I did, you couldn’t help but have your heart break hearing those beautiful words. Excuse me, but it just makes me emotional thinking about it.
Now I don’t want you to think that I boohoo at every performance because I don’t! But, it does speak to the power of the music and the musicianship that this Georgia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus brings to every concert. Whether it’s their profession or their personal passion, every member of the orchestra and chorus brings a light to that stage that is just magical. Now, I’m tearing up again. Just know if you sit by me I always have Kleenex.
Until next time,stay out of treble!
Pert
