Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Arts

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of BSO James Levine conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Riding the T last Wednesday night, nothing was really out of the ordinary, except the elegant men and women wearing suits and dresses in each car. That evening, four ushers would open the doors of Symphony Hall all at once to let in all who have been waiting since the ending of the last season to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra's magnificent live sound again. The orchestra, conducted by James Levine, opened the concert season with a gala opening event including a cocktail reception beforehand, where anyone and everyone was hyping up for the main event of the night.
Symphony Hall, built in the turn of the last century, still stands today as the home to many events, including performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Many famous conductors have graced their skill in the hall including John Williams, composer for many blockbusters such as Star Wars. Wednesday, Sept. 24, started the BSO's 127th season, with 108 of those seasons in Symphony Hall.
Robert, or Bob as he likes to be called, has worked inside of Symphony Hall for 47 seasons. From the coatroom, he explained how excited he was to be a part of another exciting night and lovely concert. While in conversation, he mentioned that the building's recent renovations have led to some noticeable changes. In the original design of the concert hall, windows led the eye down each wall. During World War II, these windows had been covered up, but now natural light is once again let in to shine inside the hall.
The night consisted of three different pieces, all conducted by James Levine. One of the pieces, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Letter Scene from Eugene Onegin," soprano Maija Kovalevska sang her heart out to beautifully match the orchestra's tone. For the other two pieces, the orchestra received standing ovations. The BSO is definitely a great group of musicians, and the experience of seeing them play is certainly enriching for any young mind.
For all of the many students in the area, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has been pushing its College Card program recently. A student with a valid college ID can sit in Symphony Hall for 15 performances for just $25. Sponsored by UBS, a financial services company, the program includes performances featuring the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Brahms.
According to Karl Jacobson, attendee of the opening night, "[The College Card is a] good idea to get young people involved in classical music. It seems like the crowds are getting older and older. It's great to see young people exposed to different music."
Len Coppola, an executive director of sales for a brand of vacation resorts finds the College Card "wonderful because it gives college students the opportunity to be exposed to great music. Kids these days need to be exposed to the arts because we're going to need more creative thinking in the future."
After a night of great music and conversation, Symphony Hall closed its doors for the night. The orchestra that has survived many years playing for the residents of Beantown and the world will be back many times in the months coming to entertain and delight the old, and the young.
To register for a college card, visit www.bso.org/collegecardback

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