Chicago was under a tornado watch for two days, but surprisingly, the opening of the GMF season was not canceled. My neighbor and I were unsure until the very last moment, but at that very last moment, the storm was over, the rain stopped, and the Pritzker Pavilion was open for the concert attendees!
Giancarlo Guerrero is an outstanding conductor. I first heard him conduct Shostakovich, and his interpretation was so beyond conventional that I inadvertently fell into his style. He is bold, both in music and in words, and this concert was no exception. I am extremely saddened that this year, the year of America’s 250th birthday, the day I was anticipating for so many years and looking forward to celebrating with my children and grandchildren, is completely ruind by the person in the White House; that’s why I chose to be out of the country on this day, and that’s why I am hesitant to participate in any celebratory actions and activities. But Guerrero made all of us feel like that’s our party, and we, the people, are here to stand for our values and for our freedoms. It was so inspiring to watch him conduct the National Anthem and accenting “the land of the free.” Unforgettable,
Hettie's Reflections 