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Bangor Metro >  May 2006 >  Delicious Music

Bangor Metro photo of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra performing at the Maine Center of the Arts

Two-hundred-plus concert-goers had a lot of pleasure to digest as they attended the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s first “Taste of the Symphony” event. The experience, laced with four of life’s finest pleasures—chocolate, champagne, great company, and, of course, music—was designed to attract listeners who had never attended a BSO concert or perhaps any classical concert. Even the fundraising component had a delicious twist: Ticket-holders who went to the Muddy Rudder, Oriental Jade, or Thistles restaurants felt free to eat up before the concert, as 20% of their bill was generously donated to the symphony by the three restaurants.

The March 11 evening opened with a dress rehearsal concert, with Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li at the podium, and in typical form: gracious, funny, and profound. The maestro discussed the selections with the audience, and sometimes explained why he stopped the orchestra to redirect them—giving the audience a clear taste of what goes into creating a polished concert.

Without question, the most soul-feeding portion of the evening was its guest soloist—15-year-old Christel Lee, whose performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Con-certo” reaffirmed your faith in God-given talent. Concerto-goers, neophytes among them, got it: This child could be the next Perlman, and they were hearing it first (sort of), right here in Orono, Maine. Thank you, Christel. You shined, as did your most able orchestral accompanists.

During intermission, Alicia Anstead, arts reporter for the Bangor Daily News, led a lively question and answer session with the audience, Maestro Li, and Christel Lee.

Following the second half of the performance, also deliciously impressive, the audience was treated to a chocolate and champagne reception, catered by Creative Catering and The University of Maine Catering Services. The Piero Trio provided tasty jazz. Festive chocolate and champagne fountains adorned the tables as the crowd, full of beautiful music, lingered for a decadent finale of food, fellowship, and a bit of the bubbly.

The event was sponsored by United-Kingfield Bank, WKIT/Zone Radio, Bangor Metro, and was supported by Fusion: Ban-gor. The BSO plans to keep “Taste of the Symphony” on the menu next season.