Happy Anniversary
from Tony and the Chicago Symphony
It started out as a quick trip to Chicago. Before the weekend was over, the Chicago Symphony brass section was playing an anniversary fanfare in our honor.
It was impossible, unimaginable, a brass player’s addled fantasy. But it was happening, thanks to our friend Tony Plog.
We planned to fly to Chicago, see our daughter Maggie, pick up our car, and drive home. Sunday would be our fortieth wedding anniversary, but we had already celebrated it with a trip the previous month.
Then, the week before, I noticed that on Sunday the Chicago Symphony would be playing Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony, possibly the most glorious brass music ever written, performed by the world’s greatest brass section. Of course, we went.
Heaven. Joy. Bliss.
Afterward, when we floated into the lobby, we were surprised by Gene Pokorny, the orchestra's principal tuba. “Come with me,” said Gene. He led us backstage to a rehearsal room, where the Chicago Symphony brass section was gathered. In front of them were two chairs. Gene told us, “Have a seat.”
We listened, slackjawed, as they played a fanfare written in our honor by one of the finest living brass composers, Anthony Plog—our friend Tony. He had composed the fanfare and emailed it to his buddy Gene. Gene gathered the guys, who for Tony had agreed to stick around and serenade us. Yvonne snapped this photo.
Imagine how we felt. Imagine how thankful we are for our amazing friend Tony.
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