Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Gershwin.

Hurricane Ida blew over for a visit, but it didn’t stop us. We were going to hear amazing pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet play some Gerswhin with the BSO.

The BSO opens rehearsal to the public.  To me, that’s  even better than the concert,  because you get that “behind the scenes look” at unbelievably talented artists, followed by a Q & A.

Pianist Jean-Yves  entered the Thursday morning rehearsal, dressed in Ed Hardy bling, Diet Coke in hand, and the show began. What joy it must be to hear the music inside and have it  flow through your fingertips, without an obvious thought to the mechanics. Such a gift from God.

Marin Alsop was all business. She ran that rehearsal and did brush ups in a way that was so professional and respectful. Every bit the artsit. And boy,  Rhapsody in Blue . . . you know the clarinet solo that starts with a glissando/ slide? Can you hear it in your head???  It was bliss.

I want my kids to see that each gifted musician up there was once a kid who struggled through the self-discipline of practicing an instrument when they would rather be outside playing baseball. And that all of those incredibly talented musicians are just normal people who made a choice each day. All shapes. All sizes. One thing in common. They weren’t afraid to dream.

Did I mention that these open rehearsal are free? Along with admission to the BMA. And the Walter’s Art Gallery!

All free. And with a family of ten, we are always looking for affordable opportunities to expose our kids to all the possibilities. Sweet. deal.

Do you know of any other great cultural opportunities??