An evening with Burt Bacharach
Well, As my previous post indicated I went again to see Burt Bacharach at the Sydney Opera House, which still takes my breath away for the architecture and design. I love the place and am proud that we have such a beautiful building in this place.
Anyway, the concert was wonderful. I really enjoyed sitting and watching this marvelous maestro weave his magic on the audience. I watched every nuance with his hand as he truly played the keyboards AND conducted the different aspects of the orchestra with a wave of the hand or a nod of the head in their direction. The 3 singers he had with him were wonderful also. I was amazed as I do not believe I will see this master again on a concert stage. I marvel at the creative mind that can create such beautiful and magical pieces of music. I will never know what it is like to hear the elements of an orchestra play in my head and then be able transpose that into musical notation and have that speak to every player in the sensational Sydney Symphony Orchestra, but I marvel at and respect that special process. I salute Mr. Bacharach, and express my gratitude for him pressing forward doing what became "very difficult work, much harder than [he] ever expected" His music has become the anthems for many peoples lives. He played a piece of music called For the Children which was written specifically for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and was performed for the first time last night and it was beautiful.
In closing, the highlight was actually being able to go backstage and meet the man himself. A very unassuming octaginarian who continues to show us that music has no expiry date. I was very pleased to meet him and thought of all the people he has worked with - certainly far too many to list. That's all, I went to bed at 2am and woke up and wrote this and now have to head out and work.
pictured from left is yours truly, Burt, Glenn A. Baker and his Qantas in-flight radio show presenter whose name I have regrettably forgotten. The picture was taken by the photographer for the show whose name was Cameron, not sure of his surname hence why I have omitted the credit from the picture. Sorry Cameron!
Have a great day and weekend everyone.
CP
Comments
Mr Baker is a well-known author, public personality and music historian.
I wonder if he is the author you have referred to several times in your blog?
It must be an honour for you to be able to call him your friend.
Mr Bacharach is certainly a legend.
Interesting that the first four letters of his name are 'Bach' - a mirror of another famous composer.
The evening will always be a special memory for you no doubt.
A photograph to cherish.
V2T
(A very odd comment regarding 'dating' from the anonymous person above. You are currently married, yes?)
He drove me around for 10 minutes just asking how I was, and then said; "Craig, I liked your Dad. He was a good man. If there is ever anything you need, just let me know." It impacted me sufficiently for it to remain as real and vivid to me to this day. I love him for that.
Our association and friendship has passed through different phases over the last 10 years as my photography and design skills have blossomed. I now photograph and or design his Christmas cards every year, and have a unique association with the whole Baker clan, knowing all of them as friends individually and collectively. Yes, it is an honour.
I asked Glenn before the concert, "do you ever have a moment to stop and think; hey, I have met this or that person or artist? - You could fill volumes of those whom you know, and whom know you!
He smiled with his hand covering his mouth and with an almost apologetic and childish grin (evident through the slightly parted fingers over his mouth) said "no I don't much think about it, but it is surreal." He continued; " I was in Sting's (from the band the Police - in town 4 days ago), dressing room the other day, and in there chatting with me were Nicole (WaWa - my addition) Kidman with Husband Keith Urban, Politicians and many other celebrities. So, yes Craig it is surreal." he added "I think most people want to talk to me or chat to me about their favourite band or music because it is the great leveler. No matter what your status, political persuasion or from what walk of life you come from, we all feel a link or connection to music, and to many, I represent that link." that's all.
He is humble. I watched him talk to Burt, and have witnessed him with many people over the years and he always has that boyish effervessence that you can't help but feel when you are near.
...and yes V2T it was a special night and I will always remember with fondness the moment shaking Burt's hand and thinking in a strange sort of way, I have also shaken the hands of many of the brightest stars in the earthly firmament.
Very odd comment I grant you from the person above. Especially as to relevance, and yes would also be the answer to your last question.
Thank you again for commenting.