The Symphony

Music has a profound effect on our brains. It has been proposed that different types of music effect and engage different parts of our brains. Nueroscience is still exploring how music and exposure to it shapes us, and how it can even be medicinal. Making music can have healing effects on brain compromised individuals.

The Symphony On April 3rd in Eugene Oregon was a treat. Marin Alsop is an incredible Meastra, and the first female in the United States to be commissioned to a major city orchestra. She is a ground breaker and a trend setter, as well as a very talented conductor. Marin got much of her start in Eugne and not only is she a pioneer for women in her feild, but she believes music should be available to everyone accross class and socio-economic limitations. Student tickets were actually, considerably less expensive.

It was an interesting concert showcasing modern purcussion soloist Colin Currie during the first half, and focused on more traditional symphony peices from Tchaicovsky for the second half. Currie is from Scotland and the musical solo was written specifically for him. He has worked with Alsop before.

All in all, it was an excellent opportunity to dress up and immerse oneself in fine culture and society, but it really highlighted the gap of income and poverty this country is facing. Sitting in the audience only slightly out of place in my second hand evening gown, I was awestruck at the first world complaints I kept overhearing all around me, something my own lifestyle and student status with voluntary simplicity has removed vastly from my experience and world.