The first concert

I had been going out with Annette for about 6 months. We were quite keen on each other- I was certainly smitten. It came to her 18^th birthday. Back then in 1960 the age of18 didn’t have the same meaning as today as one attained majority at 21. Even so 18 was important, and it was the first birthday as a couple so we resolved to do something major to celebrate.

I don’t recall quite how we hit on the idea but we decided to go to a concert by the City of Birmingham Orchestra. In those days, long before Symphony Hall, these were held in the Birmingham Town Hall. Neither family were concertgoers so this was a departure for us. The birthday fell on a weekday so we had to travel in by bus in time for the 7.30 start and back again after the concert. We were allowed to exceed the 10pm curfew time as it was a special occasion and I think her parents had a degree of trust in me.

Travelling in our conductor was George Hartwell. He was my parent’s friend who I knew only slightly. He was always called “Stuffer” because rather than swearing his exclamation was “Stuff it “. He had always had a jocular approach to me, whom he had known all my life. That evening was no exception

We arrived in Birmingham centre and walked to the Town Hall by the main church and the square where “the Floozy in the Jacuzzi” sculpture now resides. As we walked all the many town centre starlings were coming into roost on all the buildings around. It was an amazing sight and sound. I remember all the settling in noises- not raucous, even quite pleasant.

The Town Hall was not an ideal concert venue. The orchestra was on a raised stage and the audience were seated in rows on a flat floor. The only tiered seating was in the orchestra gallery behind the orchestra.

The opening piece was “Susanna’s Secret” overture by Wolf-Ferrari. Susanna’s secret was that she smoked tobacco; something not done by ladies in the 19^th century. I had heard plenty of recorded music but I was blown away by the richness and colour of the orchestra music; so much more grand than the recorded sound.

When I’m listening I involuntary nod my head in time to the music. Ironic as I’m otherwise tone deaf. Annette was both amused and slightly irritated by this. I can only control myself from nodding if I think about it. As far as I know this is mainly during live music and this evening was the first time I became aware of it.

Mother had given me a small box of chocolates to take. This was a signal she approved of Annette. The relationship with my mother got off to a bad start when Annette sent a card from her holiday addressing it to my school nickname. Although the nickname was harmless enough mother did not approve of it. This blip had been countered when Annette visited us for tea, charming my parents. I hope I didn’t commit the sin of rustling paper during the music. I was very conscious of concert etiquette and was careful not to applaud between movements during the major works.

After the concert ended we walked and caught the bus home. I must have indulged in a taxi for the final stage- a major event in those days. I had left my bike at Annette’s home and then cycled back to mine. I was very proud when Annette rested her head on my shoulder and dozed a little during our journey back. I had been anxious the evening should go well and I was pleased it had.

We have been to many concerts since but none had quite the magic of that first one.