This is a veritable who's who of the music world. The stories tell about the times the author spent with Charles Munch, Pablo Casals, Yo Yo MA, Leonard Slatkin, Itzhak Perlman, Leonard Robertson, and dozens of other musicians and conductors. Through all of this, the music we "hear" is divine and inspiring—in spite of the emergencies along the way. Included are dozens of stories that are dramatic, poignant, funny, and serious: the fateful day with the BSO when it almost ground to a halt; the nights he slept with rattlesnakes in the Army; the day his career started while painting a barn. John Sant'Ambrogio played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was principal Cellist with the Casals Festival Orchestra, and Principal Cellist with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra for 37 years. A natural storyteller, he relates the life and sometimes hilarious times he's experienced behind the scenes spanning over 50 years and 10,000 concerts.
The Day I Almost Destroyed the Boston Symphony
And Other Stories
the day i almost destroyed the bostom symphony
Reviews
What an entertaining read! A light and pleasant behind-the-scenes look at the world of classical musicians, through the eyes of one cellist's career and life. A series of fun vignettes, and an easy way to pass the time.
Natacha Wagner
This is a wonderful set of stories that not only recounts the experiences of a notable musician, but also provides insight into life and work in an orchestra. The reader gets to sit in the front row of one of the world's great orchestras (St. Louis Symphony) and meet some of the world's great musicians and conductors.
R. Casanova
Mr. Sant'Ambrogio chronicles his colorful life as a cellist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as Principal Cellist with the Pablo Casals Festival Orchestra, and Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. His sixty-eight chapters or short stories are easy reading yet highly entertaining.
