OS-MO, OS-MO, OS-MO.....

Posted at 11:01 PM on September 23, 2008 by Ward Jacobson

Finally made it to Orchestra Hall Saturday night.....after two years here, it was about time, right?

Wow, what a night! Allow just a bit of gushiness please. As glorious as it is to hear our wonderful Minnesota Orchestra on the many recordings we play on Classical Minnesota Public Radio, it is simply over-the-top to hear them LIVE in the concert hall.

Viva Espana took the audience on a musical journey through Spain and Mexico, courtesy of Emmanuel Chabrier, Joaquin Rodrigo, Manuel de Falla, Alberto Ginastera and Aaron Copland. Minneapolis native Sharon Isbin was brilliant playing Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar and Orchestra. But the real stars of the evening were the members of the Minnesota Orchestra and conductor Osmo Vanska. It was definitely the quickest (and best) two hours of my weekend!

In fact, it almost felt like being at a Vikings game with the chants of "OS-MO, OS-MO, OS-MO" after each piece by more than a few enthusiastic listeners. "Stuffy" was nowhere to be found Saturday night. I'll be back - soon!