Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Wednesday, July 30th

I've had the opportunity to travel to many different venues for concerts this summer, Ravinia included. Over the past few months I've been to Ravinia to see two major concerts of the summer for the Highland Park folk. This manicured lawn and tailored scenery perfectly combines the summer nights with great music. Picnic baskets are always welcome, as is your choice of beverage... although I do recommended bringing your own, for Ravinia has high-taste in types of wine.

The type of wine they sell at this outdoor festival, is among other quirks about this place. Their expectations and their unspoken (literally) rules define their business. Tonight was a perfect example. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was performing. Conducted by Andrew Davis, the 107 piece orchestra featured an entire evening of Beethoven.

When I first found out about this event, I was wondering why XRT, a rock-radio station, was sponsoring the concert. The answer is still unknown, but nonetheless I really enjoyed the evening. After running the usual routine at the tent site, upgrading tickets by a raffle draw and playing Nintendo's wii -- directing the orchestra, I finally grabbed a seat on the lawn and listened to classical styles of Beethoven. As a musician, I truly appreciated this concert. The other interns made a b-line out of the venue as soon as we striked the tent, but I decided to stay. It amazed me how many people are sill interested in classical music---the lawn was packed! After making a loop around the lawn area, i found my aunt and sister who had tickets. I camped out with them in the lawn while enjoying a sip of wine as I breathed in the summer evening air and listened to the harmonious sounds of the orchestra.

Now, going back to my previous comment about Ravinia's prestigious mannerisms and their "unspoken rules," -- I found it interesting that they cared so much about the professionalism of the setting that Ravinia had ushers walking around the lawn with signs that read Please be quiet during the performance. Childishly, I found it rather humorous.

This concert drew a completely different crowd than the Lyle Lovett concert I went to earlier this month on July 13th. Although it wasn't the typical radio-esque show I have been exposed to all summer, I still enjoyed every bit of it. It was a nice break from the rock and roll genre.