So, here you are, in the concert hall, for the first time in your life, waiting to hear the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra perform a symphonic program. You have not been exposed to classical music, except to listen to a CD borrowed from a friend, and you were not particularly impressed. It was nothing like the music you have been hearing on the radio, at home or in your car; nothing like the strong beat energizing the crowd at a rock band program.

Of course, you are not prepared. You came at a friend’s insistence that you should come and hear the MSO and its young music director. He has explained to you that classical music is not “all the same.” It has many styles, genres, instruments, moods. From Mozart to Wagner, from Bach and Verdi to Ravel and Beethoven, to name but a few great masters, what a rich and vast repertoire! Perhaps you have heard one or two great works that were deep and austere, in great contrast with what your ears have been used to.

When the orchestra comes alive, under the magic direction of the Maestro, you may be pleasantly surprised at the experience! Although listening to CD’s is very satisfying, it is not as fulfilling as hearing, watching, feeling and absorbing the sounds of a live orchestra. Just look at the musicians, one by one, so intent in interpreting their score, giving it their utmost attention, putting their heart and soul in their performance, all as a team responding as one to the direction of the conductor. Unlike the playing of a recording, you are witnessing how great music is made, how real people make it come alive before your eyes. If you listen carefully, you can distinguish the input of every instrument, the sound of every nuance; you feel the energy, the dynamic impulse emanating from the Maestro, the catalyst who blends together the many talented renditions flowing from the stage.

And to all this, add the people in the audience! Even when just listening, their silence can be “felt.” In the most moving moments of the performance, when the conductor seems to be pulsing from all the energy expanded, it is as if the audience is holding its collective breath, actually living the music as when the composer wrote the score. As the last note is struck, the audience is hushed for a moment, still absorbing the powerful rendition. Carried by the moving experience, people jump to their feet, and their enthusiastic response breaks into waves of applause, a standing ovation with a clamor of admiration, respect and gratefulness. You have to be there to really feel the vibration in the air. The intensity of this atmosphere cannot be duplicated by any sophisticated recording.

And after the performance, if you care to linger a while to talk to patrons and relish in this incredible happening, you might have a chance to meet the charismatic Maestro who loves to chat with his audience, and some of the musicians who dedicate their life to performing great music for the enjoyment of the audience.

So just sit back, get comfortable in your seat, and be prepared to hear, watch and listen. You probably will appreciate the concert beyond any expectation. I think you will actually enjoy yourself more than you ever anticipated. Be prepared to experience the dynamic MSO Sound. And I could bet that you will become a fan and a subscriber to the next MSO Season Series!