CONCERT EXPERIENCE
Frisson Ensemble
We ventured to Sarasota for a Christmas musical performance in the Sarasota Opera House last Sunday evening. We felt comfortable going since the production was following the SafeArtsSarasota protocols requiring masks and either a negative Covid test or showing your Covid vaccine card. We thought there might be a line to get in, given the document checking, and were surprised there wasn’t one. Also, we were disappointed that such a small crowd overall was in attendance. Plenty of empty seats and no problem with social distancing!
The performers were instrumentalists comprising an ensemble called Frisson from New York. Violin, viola, cello, string bass, clarinet, oboe, flute, and bassoon were all represented. Except for the leader/conductor, these were young musicians, rising stars. I was particularly taken with the playing of David Gallant, oboist and conductor, and Remy Taghavi on bassoon. The pieces ranged from dances from The Nutcracker to a selection of familiar and lesser-known carols. Unfortunately, the lack of a captive audience made for a somewhat flat event despite the talent on display.
DINING OUT
Rosemary & Thyme
It had been a while since we last dined at Rosemary & Thyme, and we were pleased to return. This time we opted for an inside table rather than outside, but noted that their outdoor patio was full, nicely lighted, and with heat lamps against the evening’s chill. Elias was our enthusiastic waiter, and he took good care of us. The guys sampled specialty cocktails while J. and I had chardonnay. Among the four of us, we ordered Caesar salads, battered mushrooms, and fish chowder followed by fried calamari, halibut, salmon, and the fresh catch which was swordfish. The fish entrees were on a bed of mixed vegetables and risotto. All very tasty! The restaurant is located on Orange Street, Sarasota, in the Rosemary District and serves breakfast and lunch.
FOOTNOTE
I commented on Huma Abedin’s memoir, Both/And in an earlier post before I had finished reading it. It is excellent! She is one smart, savvy woman and her account of her professional life working for Hillary Clinton is impressive and fascinating. She provides a much warmer, richer portrait of the former First Lady and Secretary of State than has often been the case. Abedin does not stint on sharing her own mistakes and faults either. Raised in and practicing her Muslim faith, she somewhat naively gives husband Anthony Weiner the benefit of the doubt several times as their marriage unravels. One gains an understanding of why she was initially compelled to stay with him. It’s a long book but a rewarding one. I look forward to watching how the rest of Abedin’s life unfolds. Highly recommended! (~JWFarrington)
Note: Header photo is the Sarasota Opera House (hungarytoday.hu)
