Take a Phil Pill

Last Sunday, May 23rd, 2010, was the final concert of the season for the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra (a.k.a. the “Seattle Phil” or simply “the Phil”). The concert, entitled The Brotherhood of Peoples – which featured the dynamic, blood-moving (and often heart-pounding) works of Elgar, Gordeli, Bartok, and Beethoven – was, quite frankly, amazing. This orchestra really knows its stuff. (Or, should I say, its scores?) You can view a podcast in which the Phil’s Music Director and Conductor Adam Stern discusses Beethoven, Elgar, and Bartok.

The Phil turns 66 years old this August, but is truly a spitfire senior citizen.

Founded in August 1944 by Seattle CPA George M. Ross as World War II was winding down, this volunteer-driven non-profit is a pillar in Seattle’s arts and culture community. A member-owned orchestra, the Phil draws its talent from throughout the  Puget Sound to create and perform classical music that instills both inspiration and passion in its listeners. Its mission – quoted directly from their website – is “to promote orchestral music in the community with skilled musicians performing a wide variety of music from the symphonic literature, and by offering low-cost, high-quality concerts throughout the Puget Sound region.” Check out their YouTube video to get a true audio and visual sense of what they are all about.

And affordable it is: Season tickets run a mere $65 for adults and $40 for both students and seniors (62 years+), with individual adult tickets are a mere $18 a pop and $10 a pop for students and seniors. (Youth 16 and under enjoy free admission – whoo hoo!)

Feeling stressed out in these, as if life coming at you in 50-foot-high waves? Stop, take a deep breath, and sign up for the Phil’s 2010-2011 season. There, you’ll find a place where you can close your eyes, clear your mind, and be carried away to a better, more soothing life pace.

Take a Phil pill.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does  receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable coverage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.