Brahms al fresco

Attendance at the symphony leads one to unconsciously conclude that, in today's world, only old folks like classical music.  It was refreshing to grab a seat (a bit of grass) at Volunteer Park last night and observe the full age spectrum in attendance.

As an adjunct to their summer series each year, The Seattle Chamber Music Society performs a free concert in the park:  "Chamber Music in the Park."  This year, they played an Arensky string quartet, and the Brahms String Quintet in G Major.  Both were well performed by nationally renowned musicians.

As enjoyable as the music was the chance to observe the audience -- a very large audience.  I arrived a half hour early, and it was already tricky to find a place to sit that had a view of the performers that wasn't blocked by someone sitting on a camp stool.  Families and groups of friends were sitting on blankets -- some munching on sub sandwiches, others enjoying more refined fare.  A small group of 20-somethings next to me had covered their blanket with a buffet of finger food to go with their wine, illuminated (unnecessarily in the sunlight) by two lit votive candles.  Quite elegant.  Those who were older and a bit stiffer in the joints sat on camp chairs they had brought with them. 

And then there were the plebeians like me who sprawled out on the grass, eating nothing but watching with amusement those who were, in fact, eating quite elegantly.

Lots of kids, most of them kept busy with coloring books or iPads.  Not that many teenagers, but virtually every other age group was well represented, from babes in arms to octogenarians.

For older children -- and interested adults -- there was a "musical petting zoo."  If you've ever been interested in how it feels to play an oboe -- or to try to play it -- this was the place for you.  In the half hour before the concert began, a constant braying of brass instruments could be heard.  Violins?  Not so much. 

An enjoyable evening with music fans of all ages, and with ideal weather.  I'm reassured that if young people don't attend the symphony in great numbers, it has more to do with the expense and the formality than it does with lack of interest in the music.