Music will be the main topic of this entry, as it so often is on my little blog. :-) But before I get to that, let me do a quick book and movie update.

I have started reading "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. I've already seen the movie (which I wrote about in an earlier post), and so far it seems that the film is sticking rather well to the book. Usually I'm sort of careful with thrillers (they're not always my style), but I really like Dan Brown's work. It's the art and history aspects of his stories that really interest me, so when a little mystery is involved as well, it only makes it better. I can't wait to finish (I'll be picking it up again as soon as I finish this post!), and will be heading to a bookstore to pick up his new book as soon as it is released. :-)

The latest new movie I've seen is "Mostly Martha" the screenplay of which is the base for "No Reservations". I wasn't aware of that fact when I first say "No Reservations", which I found to be a very charming film...and then I saw "Mostly Martha" and was shocked at how identical the two movies are. "No Reservations" could have used a few more differences (but I still like it, and actually watched it the next day just to make another comparison), but now I see why I thought it was so charming in the first place. "Mostly Martha" was just as charming (maybe even more so) and I wish I had known about it first. I think it may be easier for someone to relate to, since the setting isn't specific and I think has a more comfortable, welcoming feeling. "No Reservations" takes place in New York City (which I love, and I love movies set in NYC and the vibe they give off), but because of that, it does have a certain feel that I think not everyone may enjoy as much as I do. Using a more general setting ("Mostly Martha" is set in a German city, but they never say which one...as a result, especially to someone who has never been to Germany, is that it could really be anywhere) lets you focus more on the story, rather than the location. I think there's something to be said for that. Bravo.

My orchestra's Anderson/Strauss concert went well, even though it was not my favorite program. Our audience enjoyed it, and that's what counts. Our next one will be more fun...French themed and taking place outdoors. (!) (No "1812", however, as previously thought. Boo.)

Speaking of outdoor concerts...

I finally went to see the Grant Park Orchestra at Millenium Park a few weekends ago. I hadn't been there yet this summer, and this was a great one to attend. The program was all opera pieces, and it was amazing. (I know I always say that about their concerts, but it's true!) And in general, orchestra concerts at the park are so much fun. It's a completely different atmosphere than the concert hall. A nice summer breeze, a picnic, a group of friends, and a fantastic orchestra...it doesn't get much better. The GPO is one of my favorite things about Chicago summers. I hope to make it to their performance of Beethoven's 9th next weekend...:-)