What do you get when you put a bunch of seniors in a concert hall with 60 very talented, young musicians and a mallet? You get a wonderful rendition of Gustav Mahler’s Sixth Symphony and I am not kidding about the mallet. It was used on a couple of occasions during the performance when a “big bang” was just the sound the symphony needed.

We left Comox just before 10 am and had a nice trip over the big water. Upon arriving in Powell River, we were bused to the concert hall where we were served a really nice hot lunch. While some of the people who signed up for the event were unable to attend last minute, those of us who remained had a wonderful day. We finished it all off with a dinner at the Blackfin pub.

Each year is a different experience and I have enjoyed every one of them. One member of our group had been a little hesitant to sign up for the outing upon hearing that the concert was Mahler-centric. Just being in the same room with these exceptionally promising young musicians is an experience enough in itself.

I hereby volunteer to organize the Trip to the Symphony 2026!

Sue Kelly