Seattle Symphony:
Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliette
He Said:
This week I jumped out of my comfort zone and took the missus to one of the self termed “traditional triple” of romantic date nights - The Seattle Symphony (Romeo and Juliet).
I’d be interested in hearing the opinions of the fairer gender but amongst us lads, the symphony, ballet and opera are the three traditional, romantic dates that you all go ga-ga over?? Thoughts?
Anyways, I’m not going to give a review of the performance itself because in the end we went to see a band play and how a live band rates for a datenight is highly personal. I love AC/DC, you may hate it (if you get my drift). But what I will do is provide a few tips and thoughts for those, like me and Mandy, going to symphony for the first time.
The cheaper tickets are actually the ones closest to the stage. We were 4 rows back and paid $17 bucks a pop, which makes the whole deal relatively cheap. The reasoning is the sound isn’t as good from the front, as most of it will fly over your ears. Whatever, sounded alright to me - but it does give you the advantage of being up close and personal with the band and conductor. This is pretty cool. Throw in a singer on the odd occasion and it's the best seat in the house.
I thought the whole thing was best described as stiff. From the seats to the crowd to the jerking movements of the some of the violinists and finally the dance, if you can call it that, of the conductor. At some points, if I didn't know better, I would have called 911 and got the bloke some medication for the apparent fit he was having.
Maybe it was the best performance of any symphony ever but the crowd seemed to throw out standing ovations whilly nilly. Every section ended with an extended applaud followed by a standing ovation. Where I come from these are reserved for absolutely amazing feats, rather than a regular performance. But then maybe symphony goers are more emotional about their music. More thoughts?
If you’re immature like me, don’t have a few beers before the show because the above mentioned jerking dance from the conductor will make you lose it. It is absolutely impossible not to think about pez dispensers.
Overall I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy myself. The musicians really are talented and some of the songs did provoke emotion. While it’s not something I’d do every week, I’d certainly whack it in the “things to do annually” box and if Mandy is anything to go by, the girls will love it.
Cheers,
Brett
This week I jumped out of my comfort zone and took the missus to one of the self termed “traditional triple” of romantic date nights - The Seattle Symphony (Romeo and Juliet).
I’d be interested in hearing the opinions of the fairer gender but amongst us lads, the symphony, ballet and opera are the three traditional, romantic dates that you all go ga-ga over?? Thoughts?
Anyways, I’m not going to give a review of the performance itself because in the end we went to see a band play and how a live band rates for a datenight is highly personal. I love AC/DC, you may hate it (if you get my drift). But what I will do is provide a few tips and thoughts for those, like me and Mandy, going to symphony for the first time.
The cheaper tickets are actually the ones closest to the stage. We were 4 rows back and paid $17 bucks a pop, which makes the whole deal relatively cheap. The reasoning is the sound isn’t as good from the front, as most of it will fly over your ears. Whatever, sounded alright to me - but it does give you the advantage of being up close and personal with the band and conductor. This is pretty cool. Throw in a singer on the odd occasion and it's the best seat in the house.
I thought the whole thing was best described as stiff. From the seats to the crowd to the jerking movements of the some of the violinists and finally the dance, if you can call it that, of the conductor. At some points, if I didn't know better, I would have called 911 and got the bloke some medication for the apparent fit he was having.Maybe it was the best performance of any symphony ever but the crowd seemed to throw out standing ovations whilly nilly. Every section ended with an extended applaud followed by a standing ovation. Where I come from these are reserved for absolutely amazing feats, rather than a regular performance. But then maybe symphony goers are more emotional about their music. More thoughts?
If you’re immature like me, don’t have a few beers before the show because the above mentioned jerking dance from the conductor will make you lose it. It is absolutely impossible not to think about pez dispensers.
Overall I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy myself. The musicians really are talented and some of the songs did provoke emotion. While it’s not something I’d do every week, I’d certainly whack it in the “things to do annually” box and if Mandy is anything to go by, the girls will love it.
Cheers,
Brett
She Said:
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Could be the 2 ciders i had with work friends before dinner, or the beer i had with dinner (went to Thoa's on First and Union - we got a $25 gift certificate for only $1 on one of Restaurant.com's Deal of the Hour, so we couldn't pass it up!) or the beers we had at intermission (Benaroya hall serves alcohol!!) ...
I definitely felt the emotion in each piece. The story was Romeo and Juliet, and you really could hear the battle, the love, the sadness in all the songs.
It's amazing the feelings that can come from the sound of the symphony. And also, i thoroughly enjoyed watching the musicians - being 4 rows from the front, it was really fun to watch the passion in some of these players.
We had a great time. Like Brett said, it was certainly stiff and stuffy, not our typical scene... but something you have to experience at least once in your life! i'd LOVE to go back this month for the Charlie Brown Christmas!
Happy Dating!
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Could be the 2 ciders i had with work friends before dinner, or the beer i had with dinner (went to Thoa's on First and Union - we got a $25 gift certificate for only $1 on one of Restaurant.com's Deal of the Hour, so we couldn't pass it up!) or the beers we had at intermission (Benaroya hall serves alcohol!!) ...
I definitely felt the emotion in each piece. The story was Romeo and Juliet, and you really could hear the battle, the love, the sadness in all the songs.It's amazing the feelings that can come from the sound of the symphony. And also, i thoroughly enjoyed watching the musicians - being 4 rows from the front, it was really fun to watch the passion in some of these players.
We had a great time. Like Brett said, it was certainly stiff and stuffy, not our typical scene... but something you have to experience at least once in your life! i'd LOVE to go back this month for the Charlie Brown Christmas!
Happy Dating!
RATINGS:Benaroya Hall
200 University Street
(206) 215-4800
Thoa's Restaurant
96 Union Street
(206) 344-8088
Romance: 4 - any time we can get fancy together, i consider it romantic. :)
Cool Ambiance/Interior: Thoa's felt like a hotel restaurant. Not particularly cozy or noteworthy. Benaroya Hall, however, is pretty stunning.
All Around Service: 4 - Thoa's service was excellent, and of course, The Symphony delivered. Nothing but class.
Cost: Thoa's had an amazing happy hour - and it lasts till 7! Apps are $5 and quite filling. We shared 4 and a main course, had 2 beers, and it came to $40!
Would we recommend it? Thoa's? Not really. There are a TON of places near Benaroya that i probably would've preferred over this, but, alas, we had a voucher! The Symphony? YES. Go at least once. We won't be season ticket holders by any means, but i really do feel more cultured after having experienced it! Especially this time of year.
**Photo of orchestra courtesy of Seattle Symphony Website.**
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