Symphonic Django: the US Premiere in Tacoma

It's hot over here - 80 F by the sea and 90 F in the valley! But the real heat has happened last Saturday when Justin, Anna and I attended the most delightful concert - the legendary music of the genius guitarist Django in the symphonic orchestration format which was, as they say, a dream of his. Two hours of inspired, timeless, heartwarming music with the world renowned American guitar player John Jorgenson, brilliant UK born violinist Ben Powell and three wonderful local talents: Neil Andersson (guitar), Jon Hamar (bass) and Greg Ruby (guitar). And of course, Sarah Ioannides, the conductor and music director of the Tacoma Symphony since 2014 (I wrote about her first season grand opening, with the unforgettable Dame Evelyn Glennie, here). We've been to a few concerts since this dynamite lady started conducting the TSO, and watching what she is doing has been an amazing experience for which I am very grateful. It seems that the Tacoma symphonic music scene exploded in all sorts of unexpected, fresh directions. 

Not only did we have a chance to witness the US premiere of Symphonic Django, but we also were able to watch the musicians playing up-close, as we got front row seats. Time flew by so quickly! Other than Django Reinhardt's music, we were also presented with a John Jorgenson piece which was very moving.  

If you're not a stranger to the Old World charm, its art, music and the general aura, you are probably more than familiar with Django Reinhardt's beautiful tunes, as many of them became jazz standards. If you're like myself, not familiar with the personality of Django Reinhardt, then I welcome you to read his biography - I guarantee it won't leave you untouched. In his very short 43 years of life (my age!), Django influenced and changed the world of guitar and jazz music forever. Surviving a dramatic fire and almost losing one leg, he was able to play with only two fingers on his left hand. He composed timeless pieces which became jazz standards, created the whole new genre of European Jazz, or Gypsy Jazz, and won over the New Continent, the homeland of jazz. An intelligent man, he was completely illiterate. He is recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in history. He lived and wrote his music in one of the darkest periods of  world history (1910-1953), in one of the most tragic places of that time (Belgian born, he moved to Paris and was not successful in his attempts to escape from occupied France). And yet, his music is filled with light and the love of life. Combining Gypsy, Parisian and American streaks, it is perhaps some of the most uplifting art that exists and a breath of fresh air for anyone who is romantic or rather child-like at heart.

A short Django Reinhardt bio you can read here, and Michael Dregni's book dedicated to his life and music here.

I wanted to dedicate my outfit to this amazing musician and his unique life and art - I'm sure you'll recognize the 1940s influences. Just a few words about the dress. It is my first purchase with Kiyonna, the brand that creates beautiful, classical dresses for plus size women. This is a genuine wrap dress, made of stretchy fabric that repeats your feminine shape. I'll be honest - I feel ridiculously pretty and happy wearing this dress. I picked red and metallic gold and bronze accessories, Mary Jane shoes and fishnet tights to emphasize the vintage style of my dress.

Another reason I was happy that we could watch musicians so closely is our daughter's latest interest in guitar - not every day you can watch such brilliant players at work, practically face to face. What a fantastic night it was. Thank you, all of you talented people, for bringing this magical music to our town! I also learned that there is an established Djangofest Northwest, an annual event near us. I'll do my best to go and check it out this coming September - Django music is absolutely my cup of tea!

A Girl with Guitar. 1989 & 2015

Dress - Kiyonna

Jacket - Chico's (old)

Shoes - Dansko (old)

Purse - via TJ MAXX (old)

Earrings - Turkish shop

Necklace - thrifted (Goodwill)

Linking up with Visible Monday

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