First orchestra concert of the year, les Invalides

This past Thursday we had our first orchestra concert at Invalides. Yes, the one that has Napoleon's tomb. Classy.

It was wonderful - pretty much dreamlike. We couldn't rehearse there before the day of the concert because of security concerns and such (it is one of their major military buildings and such, not to mention a historical symbol, so I guess that shouldn't be surprising). Basically, we played the concert twice; we had to be there at 530, we played through everything (including with the choir and soloists), went and changed into concert dress (cough BALL GOWNS cough) and then performed the concert.

I saw a girl taking pictures during the rehearsal, so when I hunt her down next rehearsal I'm going to ask if she can give them to me. I do have this one that Gabrielle and I took in the "ladies dressing room" they provided. You might get a feel for how RIDICULOUSLY intense the decor was from the background -- vases, chandeliers, the whole nine yards. Oh, and to the left of this picture, on the wall, is the official portrait of Sarkozy (complete with Presidential library and flags). Priceless.



It was also great that some of my friends were able (and willing!) to come to the concert -- Julien and Iris, as well as my friend Sydney were there, so it was nice to know I had a fan club :)

I forgot how much I love Beethoven (to refresh your memory, we played the 6th Symphony and the Fantasy for choir, piano, and orchestra) and it sounded pretty spectacular in Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, the cathedral.