Olga Kern

The Colorado Symphony Orchestra opened its season last night with pianist Olga Kern (platinum blonde now) playing Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. It was a perfect selection for an opening night: It showed off both the orchestra and the soloist, and the 18th variation is so popular and recognized that it can draw the crowds in. There were still several empty seats, but Boettcher Hall was fuller than I've seen it for midweek. The audience lured Kern out for 2 encores, including a somewhat mushy Flight of the Bumblebee. Kern's right hand seemed played crystal clear towards the end. The night started off with the orchestra playing Glinka's fast-paced overture to "Russlan and Ludmilla." The cello section was luxurious. The violins kept up with the frantic pace. The evening closed with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, with the audience giving long ovations recognizing sections of the orchestra. Hearing an orchestra live is an unmatched experience. The pizzicato sections sound plumper and richer in person, you can see everyone playing. I was sitting in the first row of mezzanine 3. After intermission you can move to a better seat if there is one available, but mine wasn't bad. Students with ID are half price _ a great deal.

RANDOM NOTES: Did you miss seeing The National when they were in Denver this week? They will be live on woxy.com on Monday, noon MDT.

Innerpartysystem is out with "The Download EP," which has the song Don't Stop on it.

Remember that Brazilian Girls song Don't Stop. Obviously not the same song, but it's like how TLC has a song "Creep" and so does Radiohead. How about all the people with songs called "Crazy." Anyway. Have a good weekend. Go Broncos.