Music to my ears

"BSO Music Director Marin Alsop conducts during Arthur Honegger's epic oratorio Jeanne d'Arc au Bücher ("Joan of Arc at the Stake") on Nov. 16, 2011 during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, Md. The production also starred Caroline Dhavernas and Ronald Guttman."

One of the greatest things about being a photojournalist is getting to photograph new people, places and events.

So when I got the call to cover a performance for two nights at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra I was thrilled.

While my excitement glowed, I was nervous because not once in my life had I ever been to an opera. I could only picture that I'd be fighting to stay awake like every other male that I've ever seen on television or movie attending such an event.

Conversely, I was doing anything but that. BSO Music Director Marin Alsop is very much a familiar name here in Baltimore. My interaction with her, while brief, was real; as it was with all of the performers alike.

The performance was simply brilliant. When sneaking around very quietly, I found myself smiling ear-to-ear. I don't know if it was the seductively sounding French coming from Caroline Dhavernas mouth, the intense music, the deep bellowing from the singers, or watching Alsop at the stand. Nonetheless, it all was fresh.

Thanks again to the BSO for allowing me to do my thing and making the pair of nights a breeze. Looking forward to the next show.