Klarinet Archive - Posting 001459.txt from 1997/10

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: Artists at the Symphony
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 20:44:51 -0500

Artists at the Toronto Symphony

I know- you're thinking of some pianist or violinist etc.
No- these were the funny artists such as Danny Kaye, Victor Borge, and
Jack Benny etc.
They came to participate in a benefit program. They drew the crowd.
Of course, they have to go through their routine.
One of them, Danny Kaye, even conducted. One of the pieces was with his
usual fly swatter act.
It was hilarious.

Some of the pieces Kaye conducted were serious. At least one of them was
a serious piece.
He must have had some coaching from some expert.

All of a sudden he knew to ask for more of this or that?

Victor Borge was always good fun. He was a good pianist and utilized it
to the limit in his antics of slipping off the piano bench, playing from
music upside down, a real comic

One other guest we had was Jack Benny. A great artist. His timings were
perfect.
He had his expensive violin. He could actually play it.
No Yasha Heifetz but he could sound quite nice.
His usual "Love in Bloom" song.

We went through the whole routine of his show, had our shares of laughs.
He was funny.
At the end of the rehearsal he turned to us and said:" You know, this is
the best rehearsal I've ever had"
The concert was a big success. We made a lot of money for the Symphony.

Some months later, a pupil of mine came from Edmonton to visit.
During the conversation she told us of Jack Benny's benefit concert in
Edmonton.
"Tell me", I asked, "How did it go?"
"Oh", she said," He said that ours was the best rehearsal he has ever
had!"

The show has to go on!

Avrahm Galper