Nine Eleven

Last night my hubby had a church meeting scheduled, so that meant a night out with mom for our girl, who is now in her third year playing violin. (We're definitely reaping the fruit of enduring the first squeaky days. She plays in harmony on two strings at once, and hearing daily afternoon practice sessions...heavenly.)

Anyway, I said "yes" to an offer of free tickets to hear the Dallas Symphony Orchestra perform Mozart's Concerto No. 25 in C major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 503. The night had special relevance for Dallasites as it represented the inaugural performance of conductor Jaap van Zweden (pronounced: YAP van ZVAY-den) in his new role as the symphony's music director. (I should also mention that Emanuel Ax's piano performance was genius.)

When the maestro approached the pedestal and raised his arms, the audience expected the orchestra to launch into the Allegro maestoso, the first movement in Mozart's piece. But in about three seconds it dawned on all of us that the full orchestra was playing The Star Spangled Banner.

Imagine the scene. You're in a full music hall with all the strings and brass and woodwinds. And the audience jumps to their feet, places hands over hearts, and sings the national anthem. With gusto.

We will not forget...