Monday, May 30, 2011

Song for Memorial Day



Day After Tomorrow
Tom Waits

I got your letter today
And I miss you all so much, here
I can't wait to see you all
And I'm counting the days, dear
I still believe that there's gold
At the end of the world
And I'll come home
To Illinois
On the day after tomorrow

It is so hard
And it's cold here
And I'm tired of taking orders
And I miss old Rockford town
Up by the Wisconsin border
But I miss you won't believe
Shoveling snow and raking leaves
And my plane will touch tomorrow
On the day after tomorrow

I close my eyes
Every night
And I dream that I can hold you
They fill us full of lies
Everyone buys
About what it means to be a soldier
I still don't know how I'm supposed to feel
About all the blood that's been spilled
Look out on the street
Get me back home
On the day after tomorrow

You can't deny
The other side
Don't want to die
Any more than we do
What I'm trying to say,
Is don't they pray
To the same God that we do?
Tell me, how does God choose?
Whose prayers does he refuse?
Who turns the wheel?
And who throws the dice
On the day after tomorrow?

Mmmmmmm...
I'm not fighting
For justice
I am not fighting
For freedom
I am fighting
For my life
And another day
In the world here
I just do what I've been told
You're just the gravel on the road
And the one's that are lucky
One's come home
On the day after tomorrow

And the summer
It too will fade
And with it comes the winter's frost, dear
And I know we too are made
Of all the things that we have lost here
I'll be twenty-one today
I've been saving all my pay
And my plane will touch down
On the day after tomorrow
And my plane it will touch down
On the day after tomorrow

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Tsang: Tchaikovsky Tzardom

Last night, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra presented a superb evening of Russian music at Wayzata Community Church. Cheri and I had wonderful seats in the fourth row. The program included: Tchaikovsky - Suite No. 4 in G, Op. 61; Tchaikovsky - Variations of a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33; Shostakovich - Chamber Symphony in C Minor for String Orchestra, Op. 110a; and Prokofiev - Symphony No. 1 in D, Op. 25 (Classical).

The entire program was absolutely marvelous, but the shining jewel of the evening was Bion Tsang's solo performance in the Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra (Tchaikovsky). His rich interpretation and breathtaking virtuosity brought the audience to its feet for a well-deserved, long, and energetic standing ovation.

Born in Michigan of Chinese parents, Bion Tsang began piano studies at age six and cello at age seven. He made his professional debut at age eleven in two concerts with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic. His professional achievements and awards are many. He currently lives in Austin, TX and teaches at the University of Texas. You can read more about his amazing career, current projects, and discography here. It's really worth reading!

We are so blessed to have the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in the Twin Cities. I can assure you that last night there was no finer concert happening anywhere else on the planet. If you have not yet discovered the SPCO, now is a great time to do so. This year's season is winding down, but you can make plans to be a part of the 2011-12 season.

It's right here in your own back yard, and it's the best and most affordable classical music experience in America! I encourage you to explore the SPCO Website and get in on this world class experience.