Wow!
I'm reminded of that funny saying: "I don't know anything about art, but I know it when I see it." Without a doubt everyone witnessed and recognized greatness this past weekend. Augustin Hadelich is a superstar in the making and we just got a chance to hear him at the beginning of his journey. Volkan Ohron, our Principal Bass, said to me backstage "thank you for giving us a chance to hear this guy--and for free." It's not very often I get teary eyed during a performance, but not only did he knock my socks off with the Shostakovich, but his encore choked me up--nothing like Bach to soothe the soul.
During our Sunday matinee in Iowa City, I was so moved that I was disoriented for the second half of the performance. During the Firebird it took me halfway through the piece to get into the zone to take care of the task before me--THAT NEVER happens. I just couldn't stop thinking about what we had just experienced.
For those of you who came Sunday afternoon, you got an extra treat and additional excitement. During the long cadenza of the concerto (which is like a movement in and of itself) Augustin's E-string broke. He simply gestured to the audience, and commented that he would be right back. Sure enough, he re-stringed his instrument and came back on stage as though nothing had happened, and started the cadenza again. Many artists would have been distracted with this loss of momentum especially in light of the titanic explosion that was to happen in the last movement. This guy is a machine and nailed it AGAIN with no problem. Our Sunday audience got a "two-fer."
There are rare moments in one's career when something magical as this happens on stage. The musicians on stage are always hard at work taking care of their assignments, and sometimes are somewhat removed with what's going on between audience and soloist. From the very first note in rehearsal, however everyone knew that this was going to be special and began to savor every moment we had together. I don't know if we'll ever be able to bring Augustin back but I do know he gave us a GREAT gift with his performance. What an incredible way to end a season.