“David Bernard was conducting a Brooklyn Symphony concert this weekend when a little boy started talking between two pieces, Firebird and Scheherezade, and would not stop,” writes Norman Lebrecht at Monday’s (4/10) SlippedDisc.com about an April 9 concert at the Brooklyn Museum during which a child briefly interrupted Bernard’s talk from the stage. “Audience members told the mother to take him out. The conductor invited the mother and boy to sit in the front row. He told the boy: ‘I need your help. I forgot how many times the Scheherazade theme is played by the violin soloist, and I’m hoping you can count them for me.’ Each time the theme came round, the conductor turned to the boy and showed him on his fingers how many times it was. The idea worked. The boy was perfectly behaved throughout the piece. This morning, the orchestra received a letter from his mother: ‘I want to thank BSO for today’s wonderful concert.… People approached us after the concert and were so proud. They were proud of my son and the way David created an opportunity to be loving.’ ”
Posted April 11, 2017
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