News & Announcements
How to Surprise Your Conductor
by Jin Zhang
March 12, 2008
I went to the rehearsal hall before 7:30. The lights were off and no one was in the room. I thought it was unusual because every Wednesday, at this time, there were always some people to set up. "Did they change the rehearsal place today?" "Did I miss any email or phone call?" I was wondering. I phoned Brayn and asked him why there was no people. He said it might be too early. While I was talking with Brayn on the phone, the musicians came and started to set up. Shortly, it was the time to start the rehearsal. I told the musicians we would start with Brahms Symphony No. 3 third movement since we couldn't have time to play it last week. When everybody was ready, I started. Viola played a note. I thought viola should not have the note on that beat. All of the violins followed. I thought the sound was so different from what I expected, but very soon, I recognized they were not playing what I asked them to play. What they were playing was the song of Happy Birthday! I can't express what I feel at the moment by any words. But I can tell today is absolutely the most special and one of the best birthdays for me, and I will remember this forever.
Thank you and the musicians so much
Jin