It’s not that people don’t like classical music. It’s that they don’t have the chance to understand and to experience it. – Gustavo Dudamel 

A few months ago at one of our walks, we discussed how diverse many of our interests are…some of us are into music, some into art, some are book lovers. We are quilters, seamstresses, colorers, wine lovers, cooks, bakers, athletes and needlecrafters, So, we decided to expand our horizons and start up a new branch of the Pink Bra-Gade—The Culture Club – a chance to explore areas that are new to many of us.

Our first adventure was spurred by Lisa’s desire to see Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic. Laurie managed to get six tickets together and last night those of us who were fortunate enough to get the tickets had our first Culture Club adventure.

We landed a spot for our picnic dinner at the very top section. It was the last of the tables available and we enjoyed an amazing view.

We discovered that taking the Park and Ride bus from Pasadena was a stress free way to get the Bowl. Once there we were given an absolutely lovely evening for our picnic of wine from Laurie and Lori, cheese from Lisa, sandwiches prepared by Leanne and Wendy’s famous Orzo salad. Dessert was a variety of speciality dark chocolates. Yum. Then we headed to our seats. Which were perfect.

Our seats were perfect. Center stage with no-one in front of us so we have a great place for our feet.  And, right behind us, without a bit of prior planning, happened to be long time friends of Laurie’s who she hadn’t seen in several years – true – right in the seats behind us. And, on an even “smaller world” note…her friend was the designer of a bathing suit that Leanne just happen to have in her bag. (For details of this story, best to ask one of the Dudamel six.)

Anna and her Mom. Anna was the one who designed Leanne’s bathing suit.

Lisa provided the whoop, whoops, throughout the evening. 🙂

From Carmina Burana, Ecce Gratum(Behold the Pleasant Spring):

“A wretched soul is he who does not live or lust under summer’s rule.” 

It is hard to describe how wonderful the performance was. The acoustics of the bowl made the tones of a single flute distinct and highlighted the amazing range of the soloists. (You can share in the beauty of the music if you are on Facebook and can visit Wendy’s page to find the link to the video she took.) But if not, trust those of us who were fortunate enough to enjoy the magic of Dudamel and the talented musicians and vocalists under his direction. We will never forget our adventure into the discovery of the beauty of classical music.