The symphony!

How wonderful! I got to go to hear the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra AND Papa Mambo on Friday night. That's almost like checking two items off my Winter list at once!

KT contacted me over the holidays to invite me out to the symphony. Now, I'm going to come clean to her (I *know* she'll be reading this...) - when I got her email about it over the holidays - I wasn't really paying attention - I just said yes. Seriously, a night out with her, to see Cuban-African music for free - who could turn that down?

It wasn't until the night before, when she called to confirm our plans, that I realized we were going to The Symphony. (Yes, capital letters required).

I met them at Centennial Hall - by taking most of the indoor walking path. This was actually the first time that I walked through most of it. It's a pretty long, indoor route. I walked about three blocks from my apartment to the "start" and it led me almost right there - except for about two blocks at the end. And it was COLD out (this was prior to the balaclava purchase). So, thank you Winnipeg!

KT had put the word out, and so it was me, her husband, MT, their neighbour Lady M and a friend - K. So, we had our introductions in the lobby and then headed to our seats.

As you may recall from our night at the Opera - we ended up with great seats (fate? accident?). On Friday night, the seats were in the 2nd Balcony. I'm not a big fan of heights, but this really wasn't an issue. What was an issue, was the fact that I'm vertically challenged... I was sitting in the front row of the balcony, and I had to lean forward in order to see over the rails... Yes, a little embarrassing... And so, I moved back a row (it wasn't sold out), and it was better, but not great. At intermission, I decided to go to the very back row - which is one of my favourite places to sit in The Grand Theatre and Centennial Hall in London - but at this venue - my height was an issue still - and I couldn't see the front of the stage unless I sat on my foot. Seriously! Do not get balcony seats if you're bringing your kids to see something there... Or vertically challenged friends! :)

OK, seats aside (remember, they were free seats, so I was very grateful - and thankful that the balcony was vacant enough that I could move around and try different seats!) - it was a TERRIFIC concert! Papa Mambo is a Cuban group in Winnipeg that has been around for 17 years. They crafted some arrangements so they could perform with the symphony - and it was fabulous.

I actually saw a trio perform before - Trio Bembe - and they are an off-shoot of this group. All three members are part of Papa Mambo (I believe). I saw them at the Peace Concert at The Forks in November. I'm telling you, Winnipeg is the land of Free, Great music.

It was a really great night. Fun to meet some new people, great to spend time with KT and MT - and fabulous music that warmed the winter soul!

Thanks KT!!!


(I'd add photos, but I'm having some technical difficulties... Sorry!!)