The festival’s still a week away – but, SHAZAM – right now, somehow I’m already there. At least I am when I close my eyes and leave all the perceiving to my ears. According to them, I’m at the Dock Street Theatre, listening to one of the festival’s twice daily Bank of America Chamber concerts, hosted by the ever-witty and irreverent Charles Wadsworth.
Never fear, dear blogophile – Supergeek has not (yet) lost his marbles. For he is listening, as he writes, to the tail end of NPR’s regular Thursday evening (8 p.m.) radio broadcast of last year’s actual chamber programs – all eleven of ‘em; offered at the rate of two per broadcast. They started making these programs available statewide last year – but Dr Wadsworth, in a recent interview, told me that they’re about to go national with them. As well they should – ‘cause some of the best chamber music on the planet happens right here in Chucktown every Spoleto.
And boy, am I glad I found out about them – I was still moping about some of the chamber programs I missed last year. Even if there were two of me, I could never hope to make it to all the concerts I covet every festival. The program I just heard is one that I had to pass up in person. Don’t get me wrong – there’s still nothing like being there – but hallelujah! The not-so-modern miracles of sound recordings and radio just restored unto me something I thought was lost forever – so color me happy.
Last Thursday, I heard a pair of programs that I did attend – and trust me, it’s a really weird feeling to hear electronic clones of something you’ve already experienced in person. How else could you have the same eargasm twice?
Anyway, be of good cheer – for any programs you miss this year will be resurrected via the airwaves at some time in the future. And even if you don’t get to as many of this year’s chamber outings as you’d like, just remember to tune in to NPR Thursday evenings at 8:00 – even during the festival. There you will find consolation. And Dr. W wants you to know that.
Remember, Supergeek’s got some hot Dock Street chamber program info coming – straight from Dr. W himself. Wondering how he plans to commemorate our recently departed festival founder, Gian Carlo Menotti? Stay tuned….
