My wife had tickets to the Tribute to Leonard Bernstein concert at the Bob Carr performing arts center. We were seated back in row N. I felt quite claustrophobic, unable to move my arms without bumping the person seated next to me. Terry also acknowledged that these seats were a tighter fit than usual. I knew what to expect with the first half of the concert since I had sketched the rehearsal the night before. When the intermission rolled around I was glad for the chance to stretch my legs and arms. Terry lead the way up to the patrons lounge where people were lined up for champagne and wine. When we returned to the theater, we sat in the front row so I could do a quick sketch of this historic performance.
This was the last performance by conductor Andrew Lane at the Bob Carr. He was resigning from the Orlando Philharmonic which he had helped foster and grow for the last 17 years. For this reason the concert had a bitter sweet feel to it. When Andrew waved and walked off the stage it was for the last time. The orchestra and audience gave him a long standing ovation. Toasts were offered in his honor at the back stage gathering after the concert. There were plenty of rumors circulating about reasons for his departure, but the bottom line remains the same, Orlando has just lost a great conductor who helped inspire the orchestra to push themselves to new heights. I for one will miss him.
