Back in the Saddle

My long, long summer off from orchestra work ended today with the first rehearsal of the season.  It was my 24th  First Day of School -- well, not really of course, since it's not school, but after such a long break it can't help but feel like the first day of school.

 We're starting the season off with one of the biggest symphonic blockbusters EVER-- Orff's Carmina Burana.  The first half of the program is really charming, with an early Mozart overture and a Haydn symphony, but really, how many people are showing up to hear those?  I think the weekend will end up being all about "O Fortuna"

In case you need an O Fortuna refresher, here's a clip from 1981's Excalibur
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA8MeJFRh04