"There are many reasons to love living in Lafayette--not the least of which is the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra...."
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"Dear Maestro Smolij...Our last concert was superb!"
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Dear Maestro Smolij,
As a classical music lover literally all of my life, and no family or genetic reason for that to be true, I am sometimes so enthusiastic in my response to good music that it may seem like fulsome praise to some. My gratitude to you for bringing us such outstanding music is such that I do not write you after every concert, as I would naturally tend to do, for fear of being heavy handed.
Our last concert, including Porgy and Bess, was superb! When I consider the % of classical music to popular or other music when I was a boy, 12-15% classical to the last time I saw such a figure, it was about 8% classical. Heartbreaking.
Programs like Oct. 16 will surely reverse the trend, at least for those fortunate enough to have been there. The marvelously eclectic selection of what was performed had, among others, one certainty - delightfully listenable to all! How did you make those youngsters sound so professional, no there was still the excitement and enthusiasm that probably only comes from the young.
Part of my response comes from the fact that my wife and I are moving in 2013, after living in Lafayette about 56 years. We are moving to a small town in Kansas, Independence. There is a community college there of about 1000 students, a population of about 8000 and a strong Catholic Hospital where our 53 year old daughter will practice when she finishes her residency in 2013. Some music will be available there, but my life experience tells me, we will never have available such music as you and the symphony create.
I will always remember the responses of 8 or 10 of the guest soloists who performed with our Symphony when I asked them what they thought of the Acadiana Symphony. Uniformly, amazed, they reported that they often performed in cities of a million or more people whose orchestras did not play as well as here in Lafayette.
For these great blessings in our lives in Lafayette, please accept our heartfelt and humble gratitude for the joy and delight you have brought us. I do not believe I will experience it on a regular basis again. May Our Lord bless you and yours throughout a long and crowd pleasing life, Dear Maestro.
Most Sincerely,
Bill Douglas
W.L. Douglas Oil & Gas Properites
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"I was so inspired with the whole program...all aspects."
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As usual, the programming was creative and so well thought out...the musicians played beautifully...world class guest artists...and obviously inspired and well rehearsed choir. The whole team was engaged. So well attended, and in one of the busiest weekends ever...during a saints game...What a wonderful testament to all, including our community who showed up on such a busy weekend.
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ASO Chamber Series reviews:
"The length of the performance is perfect..."
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...for a work night (about 60 minutes) and chamber concerts in an intimate setting like ACA are very different from those larger presentations at HPAC. You will have a different and very memorable experience. It's possible to hear nuamce which might be missed in a larger venue and you feel as though the performers are playing for you, personally.
Lauren Baker
Lafayette, LA
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"The companionship was not only with friends in the audience, but also between the audience and guest artist Angela Brown..."
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......,who made one feel she was your friend....and to have a friend with such talent...WOW!!! Also, how about the companionship between Ms. Brown and our "own" Gerry Hubbell! It was heartwarming to see two such talents blend their music for us, and to geel they were true companions on the stage and as they walked off stage hand in hand. And, of course, Mariusz's splendid introductions and explanations were, and are, always a major addition to our evenings. Don't forget all the behind the scenes activities and preparations of Jenny and the other great staff at ASO. I am proud to be a board member of this great organization.
Skip Palmintier
Broussard, LA
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Soiree de Noel reviews
"The Soiree de Noel was a fabulous event..."
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...certainly one of the high points of my holiday season.
Chuck Boudreaux
Lafayette, LA
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"It was a superb evening set against an exquisite backdrop..."
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Many thanks to Richard Goula for opening his home to this event. I admired the many fine landscapes hanging on the walls, most of them the work of Richard, a man of many talents. A tip of the hat to Frank Gerami and Maestro Mariusz Smolij for their hard work as well.
Pit Hesterly
Lafayette, LA
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"What a delightful evening..."
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...I felt like I was having dinner in the South of France! Thanks again to Richard, Virginia, Frank and Mariusz for providing a truly magical evening.
Cherie Kraft
Lafayette, LA
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View pictures from Soiree de Noel.
