(written by Cait)
I don’t often write about work on here, but this is something I’d like to share. As part of my job as my center’s Life Club Leader, I get to teach special classes of my choice twice a week. Some have included Sherlock Holmes, Reading Recipes, and Writing Business Emails; I mixed it up between western culture and business English-easily the best part of my job. Two months ago, I taught a class on classical musical instruments and etiquette when attending a professional performance. The following month, I paired up the class with an out-of-center event, (aka a field trip for grownups) to the Xinghai Concert Hall on Ersha Island.
Clik here to view.
Xin Chai Concert Hall
Located on the prestigious Ersha Island, Xing Hai Concert Hall (also called Xin Chai) is a top location for high class musical performances. This intimate venue does not have a bad seat in the house and ticket prices are reasonable, and arguably. Performances range from the local orchestra to international musicians. The Guangdong Museum of Art next door, cafes, and a promenade along the river is enough to keep anyone entertained before or after a show.
The local Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra performed a three hour show, and the first chair violinist was a student of Brad’s, who I got to meet before the performance. That was just a coincidence, and he is a very talented musician. About 15 students participated from the six centers around the city.
The first half of the performance the orchestra performed several pieces of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (more commonly known for writing the score of The Nutcracker). For the second half, a grand piano was brought out and was the highlight of those pieces. I was blown away by the pianist and her ability to memorize all of it! I guess that’s why she’s a professional.
Clik here to view.
Inside the concert hall, I was able to snap a couple pictures before the performance started. I was seated in the very last row.
Overall, I it was a great experience and I’m kicking myself for not having gone to performances in the past. But, I’m happy to have seen this one at all.
