On the Road – Allentown, PA
It is always a thrill to perform with an orchestra and the Allentown Symphony Orchestra was exceptional. It’s been a while since I’ve been back in Lehigh Valley, so it was nice to be there joined by my friends and co-stars Anne Cochran & Tracy Silverman. And since this show was in January we were lucky that the weather was on our side! A beautiful day for traveling and night for a concert at the Miller Symphony Hall.
Although my music is written for solo piano, the added dimension of instrumentation really creates an incredible sound. Performing with any orchestra always adds another level of preparation to our day. What many people don’t know is that the day of the show is our first time performing all together. Anne, Tracy and myself arrived early in the afternoon for soundcheck and then we add the symphony.
We were joined in Miller Symphony Hall by the members of the Allentown Symphony and their conductor Maestro Demkee. Then it’s time for the first rehearsal…ever. Maestro Demkee and I decide on the order of the set list before this rehearsal so we can run through everything once we’re all together. We only have a certain amount of time to rehearse so time is of the essence. Of course the Allentown Symphony Orchestra was amazing and played a performance quality rehearsal.
Once the rehearsal is wrapped that’s it until showtime! Yes, we only get a few hours together and then that’s it. Luckily we worked with a great group of musicians who had no problem making my songs soar off the page and fill Miller Symphony Hall.
I always have a little more nerves at a symphony show since it’s not just me on stage. But Maestro Demkee was great to work with and the show was incredible. Not to mention the audience. We couldn’t have asked for a better sold-out crowd to start our 2017 season!
To all of you who were in attendance thank you for sharing the evening with all of us. If you weren’t able to be there, I hope you have the unique opportunity to hear me perform with an orchestra. Until then, I hope you enjoy some special snapshots from the Pure Piano concert!
Bird’s Eye View and Front Row Photos
Jim Brickman is ready to perform with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
Jim Brickman performing his music with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
Anne Cochran hits a high note with Jim Brickman and Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
Tracy Silverman performs with Jim Brickman and the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
Let me say, this concert was a real treat for me. First of all it was a birthday gift to me from my daughter and one of the best next to a gift card to a spa LOL! She came along and totally enjoyed herself. I had met Jim at the Moravian Bookstore a year or two ago when he made an appearance there. I was so lucky to have my picture taken with him, and also got his autograph on his book and cd I bought. I love his music very soothing, like the name of his new CD. I have never listened, yet, to any of his Christmas music. I have a love for celtic music and was wondering if he ever would make a CD of music of Ireland/Scotland/Wales?
Again, thank you Jim, Anne, and Tracy for a wonderful night!