french music and some pancakes

I went to a Minnesota Orchestra concert last night and, as it's been a while since I've been to Orchestra Hall to hear them, it occurred to me that I've never gotten any pictures from inside. Aside from Walt Disney Hall, this is probably the most visually interesting orchestra hall I've been to. The architect made a concerted effort to deformalize the concert-going experience in order to make it accessible to everyone. The outside lobby has 4 different tiers to lounge around on before the show.
















The windows facing Peavey Plaza (the orchestra's outdoor venue for the summer) make an interesting picture when they're set against the dark night sky and reflecting all the colors in the interior.
















The stairs up to the third floor take you really close to these interesting (and probably expensive) light fixtures.
















The concert highlighted French music by Ravel (Alborada del gracioso), Saint-Saëns (Piano Concert No. 2), Debussy (Sacred and Profane Dances) and Messiaen (L'Ascension). My favorite by far was the Debussy piece. It's scored for harp and strings and they used it to debut a new harp that was donated to the by some über-wealthy patrons. (I looked it up and it retails for around $30,000).

It was interesting to watch Osmo Vänskä conduct for the first time. He's been in the Cities for 5 years now and I've never had a chance to see him on the podium until now. He used a baton for the first half of the concert and then left it behind for the Debussy and the Messiaen.

Aside from seeing Osmo in action I also ran into Joe Dowling outside in the plaza. Having just been in his theater a few days ago it was providence.

After the concert it was some late night pancakes at the Uptown Diner.