Things I Want to Remember About Handel's Messiah

The first experience I had with the complete work of Handel's Messiah wasn't until I was a freshman in college and had the chance to play it with the Southwest Symphony in St. George, Utah. We took our performance on the road one evening: to Mesquite, Nevada, a small city of mostly retired snowbirds. After the performance, an old retired gentleman approached me and raved about the performance (and also how pretty I looked onstage, but that's besides the point :) ). " I am a retired blue collar worker," he said, "and I never had the chance to go to such beautiful events before. Thank you so much for your performance. Can I have your autograph?" I will never forget that moment. I was so happy that I was able to affect someone with the joy of music. 

After the winter semester ended, I returned come for Christmas, and was invited once more to perform with a small group in the historical Kaysville tabernacle, the one architectural wonder of the city (as deemed by my high school art history teacher). It was a beautiful experience.

Fast forward to seven months ago, as I was wandering around Westminster Abbey in London, with my touristy audio guide. I was guided to the burial place of George Friedrich Handel, and as I did, the audio guide began playing the beautiful soprano aria from Messiah, "I know that my Redeemer Liveth." It was extremely moving, and I knew that I was standing by the tomb of an inspired man.

Handel wrote his masterpiece in just 24 days. He rarely emerged from his room, with few breaks for food and water. He said to his servant as he finished, "I did think I did see Heaven before me and the great God himself!"

Just a few nights ago, we had the chance to see the National Symphony Orchestra perform Handel's Messiah on our last evening in Virginia, and I can't think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit. We were extremely stressed because of moving, we were stuck in traffic, and Victor still hadn't received his official orders even though we were leaving in the morning, which naturally was stressful as well. We made it in the knick of time, and immediately as the music started, all of that stress just went away. It was incredibly beautiful, and I shed quite a few tears, as I tend to do a lot lately. I love how music has the ability to uplift you, and in the case of Messiah, help you feel closer to God. 

And, as one last memory, I'm glad I still live in a world where people stand when they hear the Hallelujah chorus. 

And, this is my favorite piece to listen to for Christmas time:

And this is my favorite for Easter:

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and Happy Sunday. 

Love, Annie

The Finer Things Club: Black Friday Edition

The whole "Black Friday" thing is a phenomenon that I do not understand. And these days, it's not just Black Friday anymore: it's now "cut your thanksgiving short to go get in line for stores opening earlier than friday." Why?? What's the fun in that? The lines I saw at the stores were ridiculous! One of my husband's friends skipped out on seeing his fam so he could go get in line. That's not cool.

That being said, something I was willing to wait in line for on Black Friday was Broadway tickets. I have been wanting to see the production of "Once" for a while now, and they finally offer rush tickets for only $40. That's a steal when the average price of a ticket is $80-$100, and you automatically have to double that because you're married (honestly, that's the worst part about being married! ha ha).

So, while most people were battling crowds at Target and Best Buy, I was sitting on the cold pavement of 45th St., waiting for the Once box office to open.

It was cold. It was stressful, since there are limited tickets. And, we looked like street bums. But, we got our tickets! And I would have had that over a television or a gaming system any day--not sure my husband would say the same thing. But it was worth it.*

As far as the show goes, this is what I have to say about it:

I really wanted to see this show because I really liked the movie, particularly the music: duh. The focus of this show is the music. So if you're expecting it to be like any other big cast, big dance/musical numbers and glitzy costumes that are all typical of a Broadway musical, then you might be disappointed. This show is much more simplistic, but so different which makes it memorable. The story is simple: a nameless guy and girl who have their own personal struggles, but come together because of the love of making music.

The show is very down to earth. The stage is an Irish pub where you can go and mingle onstage with the actors/musicians who are warming up. All the actors are the musicians as well, which shows an enormous amount of talent in my opinion. How I would love to be one of the violinists up there, but alas, I am a terrible actor and dancer. That's why I play in the pit orchestra.

There were are few things that I didn't like. The stage version was much longer than the movie, and yet there were a lot of songs in the movie that were not included in the stage version. And since this show is all about the music, I wish there would have been more of it. Also, if you have a problem with hearing "the f word," then you might not like it. I don't enjoy hearing the f word, but my husband works with Marines, so it's safe to say that any time we hang out with any of them, we hear our fair share of it, so it's just something I have learned to deal with.

That being said, I still loved this show. I just love what it says about music and the arts. Life isn't without its struggles, but music has the ability to express our joy or our frustrations and can just be so therapeutic.


"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
Victor Hugo


"Without music, life would be a mistake."
Friedrich Nietzsche


Here's a little excerpt of the show: this song gets me every time!

The Finer Things Club

It happens once in a while. An occasion to get dressed up and feel fancy. To go out for a nice dinner. To feel refined. Last night was one of those nights. 

Victor and I went out to the opera: Don Giovanni by W.A. Mozart. We had dinner in Georgetown before and took a stroll along the river as we made our way over to the Kennedy Center.

 I was a little weary of the fact that the opera was over three hours long, but we survived. In fact, we actually enjoyed every minute of it, because it was a very good opera. That Mozart sure knows what he's doing.

 Side question: do I look totally out of place wearing a white ensemble in October?? It's just that it's my go-to dress for feeling fancy, so what's a girl to do?

Anyway, we ended the evening with gelato. A very fine and enjoyable evening. An evening where I'm reminded how much I love my husband, because he enjoys the finer things and enjoyed the opera just as much as I did.

Aaaaand.... then we drove back down to our apartment in the woods. Until next time, Finer Things Club.

Now I'm a Belieber

Ok, so I was working on a refashion project (coming up soon on the blog) and was all, "what's on Netflix these days?" So, I get on, and lo and behold, there was the Justin Bieber documentary, "Never Say Never." I heard it was pretty good, and I felt that I should at least give him a chance before I stereotype him as another tween artist.

Maybe I should go back a bit before I move on. When I first arrived back in the United States two years ago this week (which is crazy to me), after spending 18 months living in a foreign country with rare exposure to pop culture, I was completely out of the loop of what the trends were and what was going on in the music industry. I came home and the hit songs on the radio were these ones by Michael Buble, Train, and Lady Gaga.

And some kid named Justin Bieber.

I had never heard of him, but when I saw what he looked like, I was all "no way. i will not even bother with this kid."

Well, as of today I would like to issue a formal apology to Justin Bieber.

This kid is talented. He taught himself to play the piano, drums, guitar, and trumpet before the age of twelve. And his dance moves rival those of MJ himself.

He is also hardworking. He busted his butt to get recognized by going to almost every single radio station in the country to promote his music. His hard work paid off, and his songs became number one and he became a full blown pop star in less than a year, including selling out in Madison Square Garden in 20 minutes, which they said is extremely rare and next to impossible for new artists because it is such a huge venue.

And most importantly, this kid has heart. Did you know that he and his roadies go around before his concerts and give out free tickets to his fans? They always make sure to keep extra tickets to do this. Remember how I'm super emotional?? Well, when I saw one of his roadies go up to a dad who had brought his little girls to the concert because they loved Justin so much, and move them all to the fourth row, I lost it. Yes, I totally cried watching the Justin Bieber documentary. I really am too emotional. But it was just so sweet!!

So JB, I'm sorry for misjudging you. You're a good kid. And your music isn't half bad. And I'm pretty sure if you picked me to be your one less lonely girl, I would probably swoon over you too. Don't know what I'm talking about? Start this video at 1:17. Again, SO SWEET.


Have any of you seen this documentary? Or do you love the Biebs?? Please justify me in my praise of JB. Or go watch it and then we can talk about it!

that time I drove across the state for a concert

I haven't been to a concert in a looong time. And it's sad, because I used to go to concerts all the time. But the truth is, there's not much around here, and when there is something like up in D.C. or something, it's always too expensive.

So when I got an email from Ingrid Michaelson Friday morning (ok, it probably wasn't from her personally, but her name is in the sender line, so I like to think that is was---like we're real friends or something) that she was performing at James Madison University in Virginia that night, I immediately looked it up to see how far away it was: approximately 100 miles away. Dang. Victor probably won't even get home from work before the concert starts, I thought.

But what if he did? My mind started evaluating the possible scenarios. At least a two hour drive for a concert? That's silly. But it's Ingrid!! You've seen her before and you know how happy she makes you! Ok, if Victor gets home by five, it's meant to be.

And then a Christmas miracle happened. Victor got home at 4:45. And being the wonderful husband that he is, he agreed to come with me even though he was tired from waking up at 5 and he had a headache. I drove us while Victor slept.

The whole drive I was kind of paranoid. What if we get there and it's sold out? Victor would prob be maaad. Or what if we don't have time to get something to eat? Once again, Victor would prob be maaad. Add that to the fact that the drive was dark and creepy because there was no freeway attaching point A to point B. I really was scared we would see Sasquatch. Or a murderer. Or, more realistically, that we would hit a deer.

But we made it. We hardly had time to eat some chik-fil-a and unfortunately no time to get the poor husband some aspirin. But Ingrid was wonderful. She puts on great show and makes you feel like you're long time friends. Those are the best kind of concerts.

The moral of the story is that it was so nice being there with my husband. Because we dated long distance, he never came to any concert with me. So being able to listen to Ingrid sing about love and friendship in her catchy Ingrid way next to the guy who I always thought about when I heard those songs originally was great. (Except I felt like a failure when she sang, "if your head is achey, I'll make it better," considering I was in too much of a hurry to get to the concert than to get the poor guy some aspirin for his headache. I hope he forgives me for that.)

And note to self--make sure to make that drive again in the spring when the sun is up. Because it looked like it was gorgeous. And I really want to see the Shenandoah National Park when it's not pitch black.

Anyway, I love Ingrid. And my husband. And you too.

--Annie

Royal Wedding Revisited

Last night the philharmonic at the University of Mary Washington had a concert featuring all the music from the Royal Wedding. Of course I was on that like white on rice. And it didn't disappoint! 

I was debating wearing my fascinator hat that I bought from the Capital Hill Flea Market, but I thought that might have been a bit much. But after getting there and seeing that the programs were designed like invitations, the entrances had signs saying "friends of the bride/groom," and they were selling the tea specially commissioned for the Royal Wedding (white tea with pink rosebuds---so elegant), I wish I would have. 

It kind of felt like the queen herself made the guest list, because it was mostly old people. But luckily, Victor was wearing the exact same outfit as the elderly gentleman next to him, so we fit right in.

They even played the video footage of the bride's walk down the aisle as they played the music. It was wonderful. Reminisce with me!


I just loved it. My favorite moment is still at 5:10, when Harry peaks over and whispers to William. I don't understand why William can't look at her, but it made for a really cute brotherly moment. I could go on forever. But I won't.

Anyway, it was a fun night. The music was fantastic, and my date was cute, even if he dressed like a 60 year old (but I bought the shirt....so my bad!).

Why I love listening to the radio right now

Usually I never listen to the radio, but lately I find myself being drawn to it because there is an almost guarantee that one of these songs is always playing, and I just love 'em.

First is Edward Maya's "Stereo Love." This guy is from Bucharest!! And this song is one that I heard on a regular basis on the bus, and in restaurants, and pretty much everywhere. It was also probably one of those songs that when I heard it I would think to myself, "I just can't wait to get back to my music!!" And yet now when I hear it playing on the radio, I love it. It just makes me feel all happy as a flood of memories of Romania come when I hear it.



And the other one is Katy Perry's "Firework." Once again, I was never crazy about Katy Perry until Romania. I would hear "Hot 'n Cold" almost everyday as well when I first got there. And it will forever remind me of one of my favorite people in Romania. And I love "Firework" because of the music video: overall it's a good one, but it sure is funny to see fireworks spewing out of Katy Perry's chest.



Hope you all had a good holiday weekend. Mine was fab, and I will write about it later, I promise. Love you all!

'Tis the Season!

Christmas time is officially here. Holla! I thought about making this month's "blogging goal" to not write crazy rants about anything. But sometimes that makes things less interesting. But who can think of writing crazy rants right now when the world is so wonderful and full of holiday lights and decorations and snow? Then again, finals haven't happened yet, so there is still time.

I love the Christmas season for so many reasons including the decorations, the lights, the traditions, the treats and food people bring to you, the parties (especially the work ones, which is weird, but I think it's because you get to chill with the people you work with and not actually worry about working. That's fun), and I love how everybody just seems to be in a better mood, except for the Scrooges, but even they make the season fun because then you can feel like you are living in your own real-life Christmas Carol.

But the two things that really put me in the Christmas mood are the movies and the music. I love 'em. And while I usually can't handle the extreme cheesiness in the rest of the year, Christmas time is an exception, except for some really horrible stuff, which ironically is usually country holiday songs: example of the day: that Christmas shoes song. Yuck.

So my movie recommendation of the day from my list of best Christmas movies is:
White Christmas is a perfect movie to help put you in a holiday mood. Go out and watch it today.

But my latest discovery this year has been that one of my fav singers, Sufjan Stevens, has not one, not two, but FIVE Christmas albums! And they are legit. I am sharing with you today one of my new fav Christmas songs called "The Friendly Beasts." I don't know how long this song has been around, but my dad played me a version of it by Brian Stokes Mitchell with the MoTab, and I wasn't crazy about it because it was pretty silly. But Sufjan's version is really sweet in showing that even the animals rejoiced in the birth of Christ. And this video is adorable.

Anyway, happy beginning of the Christmas season, everybody. I love you all!

The Bestie Concert Series

It has been one great month for concerts in Salt Lake City! And I am a lucky person, because I have a bestie who goes to all of them with me. Kimmy. I love her.

I first met Kimmy in the far away land of Romania. We immediately connected when the subject turned to music. Kimmy has great taste in music. And while I myself wouldn't call my own taste great, I do know that my friends say that I have great taste in music.

Oh Romania. Did I mention that I miss that place? Because I do. A lot.

Anyway, back to music. Kimmy and I are kindred spirits when it comes to music. Since we have been re-united in the United States, we have seen some pretty sweet shows. This summer we went to the Mountain Goats. I had always wanted to see the Mountain Goats perform and Kimmy came with me even though she didn't know them too well. Now that's true friendship, people.

And then, there was Ingrid Michaelson last week. Her concert was amazing. And Kimmy stood in line a good hour before I got there to wait with her. She stood in the freezing rain, and then together we stood in the hail storm. But we got in! Thanks to Kimmy. I'm telling you, if you want a legit friend, call Kimmy!

On Monday, Kimmy and I got to experience Sufjan Stevens together. It was wonderful! We were so happy after! (as seen below: man with beard is Kimmy's friend Rudy)

School may be blah and boring, but at least I have Kimmy. And Ingrid. And Sufjan. And, on Friday, Kate Nash! But mostly, I'm glad I have Kimmy! Basically, I have some pretty legit friends, and yes that includes all of you reading this. So, I hope you have a good rest of the week, and remember that I love you!

xoxo, Annie

While My Music Downloads...

I am starting to use all those itunes gift cards that I got for my birthday. First item of business: Kate Nash! I love her. I love her lyrics which are kind of hatin' some times, but since she has a cute british accent while she's hating (mostly on boys) it's not so bad.

And the even better news is that Kate Nash is coming to SLC...and for only 10 dollas! I love it when things like that happen. Anyway, I'm trying to be all bloggy, but I don't have much else to say right now. So just watch some Kate Nash.

BTW-Why is the video spilling over into my other stuff? I need an experienced blogger's help. Fix it!

Loves, Annie

The Original Conjuring Cat

I love the musical "Cats." SO MUCH. And I really can't explain why. So many people hate it for its lack of plot, strangeness, etc, etc. I know it's weird, and doesn't have much of a plot, but I love this show!

So of course, if Tuacahn is doing it, I am there. I love Tuacahn, and I loved working there (I have shoved all those awful memories of being pelted by bugs and grasshoppers while trying to play the violin to the back of mind) so I try to go every year. We went last week, and for the record, Cats was way better than their other show Tarzan. And the highlight of the night was this:



We got to meet the magical Mr. Mistoffelees! My favorite of all the cats. Camille's face clearly shows how she felt about it. She is a member of the Cats hater club. But you can't hate on it until you have seen it.

If you get the chance, see it! And take it for what it's worth. Just some good cat fun, with fun music, and great choreography.

love love, annie