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Attending a Concert
Some Helpful
Comments
Letter
to the Kerrville Daily Times October 24, 2008:
I read with interest Marguery Fitzugh's letter in the October 24, 2008 edition
of the Kerrville Daily Times regarding what she viewed as inappropriate applause
during the recent KPAS concert featuring the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. I
was out of town that weekend and unable to attend the concert. A former KPAS
board member told me that during the concert she was approached by what appeared
to be an executive with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra who also was upset
because of the applause at inappropriate times. He stated that the applause
caused delays in the performing of the multi-movement works and was upsetting to
the musicians.
As conductor of your symphony --- The Symphony of the Hills --- I can promise
you that our orchestra is not disappointed when it receives applause. We do,
however, strive to help our less experienced concert attendees understand when
it is appropriate to applaud. Watch the conductor for visible clues regarding
applause. I keep one arm suspended in the air as a sign that the selection is
not yet complete. Another clue is to hold applause until the conductor turns
and faces the audience.
The printed program will provide the information one needs in determining
whether or not to applaud. When listening to musical selections with more than
one movement it is customary to wait until the entire piece has been heard
before applauding. A symphony written by Mozart or Beethoven, as an example,
will have four movements. Composers of later symphonies and concerti tended to
write only three movements.
I am very pleased that a good-sized audience attended the two concerts by our
sister orchestra from San Antonio and hope that each attendee enjoyed a concert
of great music. My wish is that now you will come to a concert of your symphony
--- The Symphony of the Hills --- and give us a listen. I am certain that upon
comparison you will be extremely pleased with our own regional orchestra here in
the Hill Country.
Jay Dunnahoo
Conductor and Artistic Director
Symphony of the Hills
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