Although I am in no way qualified as a music critic, commentator, or journalist, I am ignoring those deficiencies in my desire to share a great evening and to encourage others to support this orchestra, attend their concerts, and if, unlike me, you are musically qualified, join them in enriching the area's wonderful musical community. Besides, it's my web site!

One advantage to growing up in Philadelphia was the opportunity to see and hear performances by some of the great conductors, orchestras, and artists. I think probably my last symphony orchestra concert attendence goes back that far. December 13th's experience made me realize how much I'd missed.

The Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra does not quite compare with Ormandy and the Philadelphia orchestra or some of the other big city performers I remember, but given that the former has about a quarter of the personnel, the PBSO is a formidable group. I was particularly impressed when one of the reed players had to go pick up a trombone to give the brass their kick for "Finlandia." It would seem to me quite a challenge for conductor Trond Saeverud to achieve the instrumental voicings intended by the composer, but to these ears, he seems to have succeeded admirably.

I have heard musical saws before, but generally in a novelty role and I never thought that I would encounter a serious work featuring it as solo instrument. Skeptical I was, but it took only the opening notes to have me leaning forward in my seat, eagerly awaiting the next sounds, and quite taken with the whole idea. Now I'm trying to figure out if a saw is a percussion or string (albeit a very wide string) instrument.

"The Lumberjack Song," was written by Ketil Hvoslef, Trond's father and performed by Gene Nichols. Although generally wary of "modern" classical music, I was pleased to find that although I doubt I could hum any themes from "The Lumberjack Song," it was thoroughly listenable and I would like very much to hear it again. Others have commented that they hoped it would be a frequenly performed piece. Lots of percussion - I never knew the percussion abilities of a saw either - but also great melodic interplay between the voice of the saw and the orchestra, particularly the woodwinds. Watching Gene at work was very engaging as well. Another reason that the best home sound system just can't beat a live performance.

The concert began with the second movement of Beethoven's 3rd symphony, the "Eroica," always a crowd-pleaser and tonight was no exception. Post-intermission attractions were Schubert's 3rd Symphony, which for some reason has escaped my attention all these years, and the aforementioned "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius. The Shubert is a lively piece, no falling asleep here - must add it to my collection. Finlandia? What better way to end a splendid concert?

The gratifyingly large audience was on its feet in enthusiastic appreciation of another example of what dedicated people can do; in appreciation of the richness of the human experience and the motivation of music. It was an evening well worth a 30 mile drive in the rain.

For spam-avoidance purposes, I'll not post the email addresses here (the Symphony does not currently have a web site, but there is a group on Facebook), but please feel free to contact me and I will pass the information to you.