Our first night in Salzburg we had the delight of going to a dinner concert at the St. Peter Stiftskeller's Baroque Hall. Upon entering the building we were guided to a small coat check and then to a gorgeous dining hall. Above us (inside the hall) were white vaulted ceilings with beautiful pastel green flowers painted in intricate embellishments. Around us dimmed lights shone from oyster lamps on columns surrounding the room, and light also came from two crystal chandeliers, one of which hung in the middle of the room and the other which hung above the small elevated stage. With the low lighting it seemed almost as if these light fixtures held actual candles instead of the electric bulbs we knew were actually there. Tables and chairs with white fine cloths and silver candle holders gave the room a very regal feel. As we were seated by well-dressed waiters, we looked over our menus as we waited in giddy anticipation of the delicious food and splendid music we were about to experience. When the musicians entered we were surprised and thrilled to see that they were dressed in period clothes! As they began playing their first piece (from Mozart's opera ‘Don Giovanni') two singers hurried in and began giving an amazing performance! The professionalism, grace, and technical proficiency of the musicians and singers together was quite incredible. Between each course they would perform a set of songs. My favorite was their set from Mozart's opera ‘Die Zauberflöte' (Magic Flute). When the baritone entered the hall singing ‘Papegeno’ he was wearing a bright feathery suit with a matching headdress. He was so much fun to watch with his facial expressions and artistic delivery. It was neat to see him interact with the audience, especially when he came and serenaded Megan at her table! It was a delightful performance and I would love to go back again someday!
On our second night we heard the Camerata Salzburg at the Mozarteum where they performed Felix Mendelssohn's “Elias” Op. 70. I can’t really put into words what a fantastic performance this was! We had seats in the very front row, which meant that we were so close to the stage that we could hear the violinists' bows hit the strings, the occasional sigh or clearing of the throat of the soloist singers, and even the intermittent exhales of the conductor as he gestured to the musicians. Although this is a very long piece (two parts, each being at least an hour long, with intermission in-between), from the very first few measures my attention was captured and I was in awe of this work and of the performers; the soloist singers especially because the mezzo soprano was a stand-in! It was amazing and definitely one of my favorite performances.
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