As I prepare for my last concert with the RSO I find myself reflecting on the past 31 years I have been a member of the viola section. I started playing way back in 1985. I had just graduated college with a music ed. degree and was asked to play as a substitute. It was quite the drive from Cincinnati but it was nice to be put up overnight. At that time our maestro was Thomas Elefant and we rehearsed and performed in the Field house of Richmond High School; now Civic Hall. The stage was at the end of the basketball court with bleachers along both sides. During the concerts the audience seemed so far away sitting on stacking chairs on the basketball court.
I’ll never forget the Pops concert with Maestro Elefant and a country western band as guest artists. Maestro Elefant is from Israel and it seemed as though there was not a lot of familiarity with country music. At times it felt like the musicians were leading/helping him. It was fun to share some of our American culture with the maestro.
The “Pops” concerts were very different back then. The field house floor was set up with lots of round tables. Each table was sponsored by a group or company. The tables were decorated with a theme and judged. During the performance the audience members at the tables would be finishing their dinner and drinks. It was quite festive.
Eventually it was announced that there were plans to redesign the venue and turn it into a Fine Arts facility for Richmond High School and a beautiful new auditorium for us to perform in. This plan was going to take a few years so the RSO went on the road. We performed in churches around the city, sometimes on platforms rigged somewhat precariously around the alter and such. During this time we had some great soloists including Daniel Graves’ son on cello and a 13 year old violinist that blew us all away.
After about two years as symphonic nomads our new home was ready. We were all very excited and fit right in on the new stage. At one point there was talk of dressing rooms for symphony members but those have not come about yet. We still change into our concert dress in the public restrooms alongside the audience. Maybe someday……..
When Maestro Elefant left we went through a year of auditioning conductors. Maestro Bordo was indeed our favorite of that year. He came with fresh ideas, an efficient rehearsal practice and a desire to not only entertain but educate the audience. He brought in the 3rd grade concerts and then added the 7th grade concerts. Some of my private string students had the honor of playing as members of the “Orchestra Within an Orchestra”. What a great experience for them.
There are so many other memories I will take with me:
—Rich Ridenour, pianist/comedian and making a recording with him.
—Augustin Hadelich; winner of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. One of my favorite soloists. His Bruch violin concerto left both the audience and the musicians breathless.
—Ray Charles, Charlie Daniels, Neil Sedaka, The Beach Boys and Wynonna of the Legend series. Always hoped the next artist would be Billy Joel.
—Our percussionist Joe playing the typewriter when we played Leroy Anderson’s “The Typewriter”.
—Having maestro Bordo’s wife as a soloist. I come from a musical family and that felt like home to me.
—The season we played a piece by Copland every concert. His music is always such a challenge.
—Performing the music live to the cartoon movie “The Snowman”.
—Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone playing with us. He was up in age but when he took over the second half of the concert, boy could he move.
—Always being mindful that walking out on to a stage in front of an audience is not something everyone gets to do nor does everyone stand and receive applause on a regular basis.
Thank you RSO for so many years of wonderful musical experiences. I wish you much support, success and fresh new members in the future.
Sincerely,
Kathryn (Rodriguez) Mihalyo
Section Violist