Pretty Voices in the Afternoon

For three seasons now the Four Seasons Centre for the performing arts has been offering free concert series at lunch in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre (the pretty space facing Adelaide). The Food Nerd has wanted to go to these before but, sadly the unfairness of the working world constrained her workday hours to the point where the only free afternoon time was devoted to obtaining and consumption of food (obviously). Times have changed, shackles have been broken and the afternoon has been reclaimed. The last concert of the series happily enough fell on a rainy Thursday providing a happy indoor activity of lovely English songs delivered by a vocalist, pianist and viola.

The crowd is mainly (as in almost entirely) grey in the hair, not surprising as English Song isn’t exactly tearing up the charts these days (not to mentioned most of the younger crowd is sadly constrained with those pesky jobs). The door opens at 11:30 and the space quickly fills up. Despite the older crowd the vibe is decidedly casual, somewhat dictated by the space, which is more of a landing then a stage in the midst of stairs backed by wall of windows. The seating isn’t great and goes quickly, with most people standing or sitting on the ground on the fourth floor near the railing. Frankly I wouldn’t even try for a seat in the assigned area (given my relative youthfulness I’d be too afraid of my mother smacking me if she saw me reclining while the rest of the crowd standing). If you aren’t too fussy on seeing the action it can be pretty charming to sit next to windows upstairs and watch the city as the music pours forth.

The concert itself was dreamy, surreal. Sitting cross legged along side with suited gentleman, day dreaming to the tunes of the 1700’s is a meditative experience; doing so while watching the city go about its Thursday afternoon business gives one a unique perspective on the ordinary. A good portion of the concert was devoted to a premiere of the commissioned work, The Four Seasons, a lush sounding compilation of time passing. I realize how much of a child of my age I am when it jolts me to realize that I cannot buy, steal or copy this music as it is today to hear again. A singular experience. Huh.