What else is there?
Professional musicians prepare for performances with minimal amount of rehearsals for two reasons: time and money. For example, when hired for a wedding ceremony it is common to be asked, “Will you be at the rehearsal?”. Strings of Silk Music has performed for thousands of weddings and is prepared musically and most of all alert and ready for last minute changes and situations. If requested and the musicians are available, then for an additional charge, yes but it isn’t necessary. The rehearsal is for the participants who are unsure of what to do and where to go. There are occasions when even the most experienced musicians are surprised (but they always know what Plan B is): the groom has fainted (play soft background music) or the bride doesn’t enter when cued (stop and start again). The one thing that is a given – the playing of the music is the easy part.
Strings of Silk Music has been busy this week with a professional opera production of “La Traviata” with the New Philharmonic Orchestra. The production company of singers, costume and set designers plus lighting and sound crews have been preparing for months. Compare that with what preparations the orchestra has done in one week: four rehearsals! How is it possible for sixty musicians to come together and get a standing ovation? Simple – it’s more than just the music – it is hours of behind the scenes practicing, years of experience and most of all, a very good conductor!