I had never heard the entire Messiah performed live before- usually the considerably shortened version. It was very well done. The symphony was excellent, the soloists were great, the choir was wonderful. All contributed to a beautiful rendition of a traditional Christmas concert.
It was nice to hear the SF Symphony in Cupertino instead of having to drive to SF. But I have some complaints with the Flint Center. I realize that they are a public college, and strive to value diversity and not offend any religion, group or person. But when you host an event that is distinctly 'religious' titled the "Messiah" for a "Christmas" concert, couldn't there be some decoration on the stage? The stage was COMPLETELY bare, not a poinsettia, snowflake or garland to be found, much less a Christmas tree or any other kind of decoration. The stage was beige and very boring. This detracted from the holiday spirit and was, frankly, very joyless, stark and cold. Couldn't a local florist 'loan' a few poinsettias to line the stage? They could be borrowed for the evening and returned. Give the donor free advertising in the program and the cost would be zero. This is the second "Christmas" concert we have attended at this venue with absolutely no decorations. It will be our last. We'll stick to venues with appropriate 'decor' like the Davies Hall, Stanford Memorial Church, etc.
The second issue has to do with people being allowed to take their seats late. This is a very frustrating issue. The concert began at 8:00, and at 8:30 a group of 10 people came in and were trying to be seated DURING the concert. We were in the front area and having them hover for 10 minutes (whispering!) was very distracting and annoying. Of course their seats were in the MIDDLE of the row, which caused all the people they had to wedge by to have to be interrupted. NO ONE should be seated when late, and they should have to wait until the intermission to get to their seat if not on the aisle. The people who were on time should be respected (not to mention the performers!) and not have to watch an idiotic spectacle of people bobbing up and down as late comers force them to stand as they try to get by... The tickets are not cheap ($65.00) and the least we deserve is to be able to enjoy the concert without this distraction.
So Flint Center, please honor your performances with some decoration on the stage and instruct your ushers on protocol regarding late comers.