Culture Vulture / Ba-Da Bing!

By C.S. Gilbert

Ba-Da Bing (not to be confused with Ka-Ching), as someone dear to me says whenever presented with the perfect expression, explanation or opinion. On Friday, June 10 the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (born a Conch as the Key West Symphony in 1998) presented an unexpectedly perfect string trio, the remaining members of the expected Excelsa Quartet after a violinist suffered severe shoulder injuries several weeks ago.

But not to worry. The Vulture is not in love with string quartets – I think I was force-fed too many in my youth – but is supportive of the oppoprtunity to hear really good classical music in town (thanks, too, to Impromptu on that count) and thus eager to hear whatever the symphony brings us. Last night was amazing.

The program was coordinated with Key West Pride and The Studios of Key West’s second floor lobby, leading into the performance space, was adorned with Stonewall Museum posters crediting gay and lesbian (presumed and proven) classical composers, beginning with a nun in the eleventh century. Really. Who knew? All composers performed were included in the display.

The evening’s program starred Schubert in two offerings including the String Trio in B Flat Major – a bright composition evoking a summer picnic on a riverbank, with lovers feeding each other tidbits, probably in 19th century dress. (Remember here – the Vulture’s strong suit is not music, unless interviewing Harry Schroeder; take this for what it’s worth.) The program was completed with Barber’s familiar Adagio for Strings and a finale of Tchaikovsky.

What I found so stirring about the performance was an empathy among the performers. They were almost as one organism, their playing was so connected, as if they were tied together by a wide white satin ribbon with a big bow in front. I really attribute some of this to the fact that they were only three: Audrey Wright on violin, SFSO veteran Valentina Shohdy on viola and Kacy Clopton on cello.

Key West will have a second chance to hear these wonderful, empathetic musicians when the still-truncated quartet returns to the Studios returns on Sunday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. The program is another Schubert String Trio in B Flat Major, D 471 (as opposed to tonight’s D 581, whatever that means) plus Haydn, Kodaly and Beethoven. The Vulture is a prime example of how you don’t entirely have to understand classical music to enjoy it; you just need ears. For tickets or additional details contact SouthFlorida Symphony.org or phone (954) 522-8445.

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