A Little Something Extra

Single tickets for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's 2010-2011 season went on sale two days ago, and I'm delighted to see there are some early birds out there trying to catch the worm. Tickets are flying for Joshua Bell, Wayne Brady, Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, Pink Martini, Mahler 5 and the incredible Liza Minnelli.

But there are so many more gems to pick from. So I asked our Principal Trombone, Jim Beckel...what classical, pops or special concert would you recommend purchasing, now that the Indianapolis Symphony's concerts are on sale?

In Jim's words...

"For me, the best music is the music that inspires. The ISO is doing several great works, including Shostokovich's 5th Symphony on April 7, 8, and 9 with Arild Remmereit. At the point that Shostokovich created this symphony, he was under great duress from Stalin, demanding that he write music "for the people."  This symphony is an incredible journey through the threatening of the human spirit to the exoneration of the freedom of the human spirit in a truly inspired work. 
 
Similarly, Sibelius' 2nd Symphony, performed on April 1 and 2 with Mark Wigglesworth is truly inspirational, one of the greatest symphonies ever written.
 
Also, Mahler 5 on Nov. 5 and 6, with Juarj Valcuha conducting, is a great introduction to Mahler for the new patron.  It is one of his more mature works that features the brass in a great orchestration.
 
June 17 and 18 with Raymond Leppard - Beethoven's 9th - one of the most inspirational pieces ever written, featuring the "Ode to Joy" theme.  For me, this work is truly uplifting.  When Beethoven wrote this work, he had totally lost his hearing and knew that he was at the end of his life, and yet he writes a work of thanks for life itself."