The week leading up to Soka New Century Orchestra's first full-length, debut concert. "Lights, Camera, Action" is the theme.
6 days...
I've rarely felt so nervous in my life. Perhaps it's because I have charges that I've been responsible for performing under my baton for the first time in front of a full house (about 1000 people!?!? Waldorf only seats 350!). I feel nervous about how the audience will ackowledge the program and the pieces played, as well as the quality. Ohh and do I ever worry about the quality. I always seem to hear something wrong with my own playing, my fellow strings', or somewhere else in the orchestra. I worry that people will hear the same thing I hear. Always at the same places too. In that full audience, at least 15 people I know might hear it.
Yet, I feel excited at this prospect. If this works, we'll gain exposure within the Soka community and maybe even make our way towards being part of the Singapore scene. We might draw out hidden players from our community because of our music and that we move them to come out and join our cause. Who knows?
I certainly won't, so for now....just practice, chanting....and deep breaths.
Those SNCO members that do read this, relax on Saturday. Don't practice TOO much. I know I'm not going to...most likely will go to the SSO Open rehearsal in the morning on Saturday, teach Ying Jing, then go back down for the concert. Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3. It doesn't hold such a special place in my heart as No. 2 does, but yet, it still amazes me. Too bad the seat I have isn't that great. I'll be sitting behind the orchestra, facing the conductor, meaning sound quality might not be amazing.
But it's okay, because the fact that I'll still get to see Rach No. 3 live is still quite cool.