Image Credit
You're probably scratching your heads and asking yourself why a food blogger is writing about
Opening Night at Tanglewood. I have a good explanation -- I promise.
Tanglewood at Dusk / Image Credit: Stu Rosner
It took nearly three years, but the life I led prior to publishing my first post and the life I lead now have finally overlapped. In fact, the original title of
this post was "When Worlds Collide".
Way before the idea of writing a food blog ever popped into my head, I was watching my twenties slip away as I devoted myself to the life of a graduate student in Historical Musicology with a concentration in 19th-century music. I have a Masters degree (and
thesis) to prove it. It seemed only natural for me to continue on to a PhD and to prepare myself for a career in academia. Unfortunately, the only thing I experienced over the initial course of my doctoral studies was frustration.
No matter what I did, I could not gain the approval of the faculty, and I was constantly told that my writing wasn't up to snuff. Instead of torturing myself and allowing the stress of the situation continue to overwhelm me, I left the program and haven't looked back. While listening to classical music used to relax me and getting to the root of the reason why specific pieces were composed used to fascinate me, it took
years for me to reincorporate it into my life.
I was
that traumatized.
Boston Symphony Orchestra / Image Credit: Michael Lutch
Now that I can tap into the feelings I had about music
before my doctoral studies and can remember why I love is so much, I can truly appreciate the opportunity that was presented to me a couple of weeks ago (on the day I got engaged, actually).
I was invited to join the
Boston Symphony Orchestra for
Opening Night at Tanglewood, their summer home in Lenox, Massachusetts
and for their pre-concert reception at Tanglewood's historic Highwood Manor house. In celebration of the all-Italian program, Boston chef
Lydia Shire will prepare a Tuscan-themed menu consisting of multiple appetizer tastings, a cheese selection, and a dessert buffet that will feature some favorite dishes from Chef Shire's restaurants, as well as dishes prepared specifically for Tanglewood.
After the reception, Stephen (who gets to join me as my guest) and I will be able to sit back, take in the fresh air of the Berkshires, and listen to
Charles Dutoit lead the members of the BSO, the acclaimed vocal soloists, and the
Tanglewood Festival Chorus as they make their way through a program featuring
- Vincenzo Bellini (Excerpts from Act 1 of Norma)
- Gioachino Rossini (Overture to William Tell)
- Giuseppe Verdi (Trio from Act 3 of I Lombardi)
- Ottorino Respighi (Pines of Rome)
I can't wait!
I'm not entirely sure how these amazing opportunities continue landing in my lap, but I'm not taking any of them for granted. A genuine heartfelt thanks to the
Boston Symphony Orchestra for reaching out and for offering me the chance to share the magic of
Opening Night at Tanglewood! We'll see you in the Berkshires!
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