When my Dad was in grammar school, he visited the Loew’s Penn Theatre (now Heinz Hall) to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony. Its impact was profound. Dad is a huge fan of the symphony; memories of that first experience (hearing Copeland’s Rodeo) can actually choke the Old Man up. 
Since moving to Mobile 6(?) years ago, Dad has been an avid supporter of the Mobile Symphony. It’s not the Vienna Philharmonic, but the MSO has some fantastic folks on board who have brought in impressive artists, events, and community programs. In the past few years, I’ve gone to the MSO for about half a dozen or so concerts and enjoyed them. 
Last fall, we learned that Itzhak Perlman was coming to the MSO and jumped on the opportunity to get tickets. The concert was Thursday evening. My Aunt Sandy and Uncle Kirk, family friends who knew me when I was Will’s age in Boston, offered to watch the kids — leaving Paul and I free to relish in a worry-free evening. We had a great time with my parents. The concert was fantastic. Polio racked his body as a child; he used braces to take his place on the stage. Looking at his supported movements as signs of weakness would be an incredible mistake. The power he is able to express through the violin — the ease with which his hands slide across the bridge — is astounding. At times, it seems almost unreal. It is such a pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to see a legend perform. We were thrilled with the night.
The kids had fun, too. We played together and enjoyed some decent family time.
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Randy | 06-Mar-07 at 7:24 am | Permalink
Last time we saw Itzak Perlman at Wolftrap, the entire audience held their breath as he clambered onto the conductors stand, he made it and we all heaved a sigh of relief.
A great artist.