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8th Annual Oktoberfest at the New World Symphony

October 29th, 2007

A long standing tradition has been brewing at the New World Symphony for 8 consecutive years. On Oct 20, 2007 the New World Symphony held its 8th Annual Oktoberfest. I founded this tradition 8 years ago and I am so proud to see that it has continued to this day. The first Oktoberfest was held on Oct. 15, 2000. It was an absolutely beautiful day and we all had a wonderful time. We gorged on over a dozen entrees and sidedishes, then washed it down with 3 Kegs of some great Oktoberfest beer.

The summer prior to the event, about 12 of us from New World attended the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan. Sapporo is one of the premier beer cities in the world and we were fortunate to be able to experience the amazing beers that they produce. To kick the whole experience to another level, many players from the Vienna Philharmonic were playing and teaching at the festival. We enjoyed many nights at the various Beer gardens of Sapporo with the Vienna Philharmonic. All of us there will never forget the night when they took the whole PMF orchestra to the Sapporo Beer Garden and paid for all of us. We were singing and cheering all night long having an awesome time. It was so amazing being around these musicians from one of the worlds most famous orchestras. Upon returning to Miami, I wanted to recreate those amazing times we had with our friends from the Vienna Philharmonic. I do think this was one of the motivating factors in starting this tradition.

One of the most interesting qualities about this feast is that it continues to evolve year after year since that fateful day back in 2000. Since the inception, a great local brew pub called The Abbey Brewing Company has started donated kegs of their amazing beer to the feast. A pig roast has also been incorporated into the event. Countless side dishes and desserts are also prepared by the orchestra members to meet everyones fancy.

Many people have stepped up to the plate to be financial sponsers to ensure that this Oktoberfest will continue. Many players from various orchestras like the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras have graciously donated money so that the tradition will continue. The musicians at New World are always grateful for this kind support.

Like milk and cookies, beer and music are intrinsically linked. It is hard to imagine one without the other. I will never forget about our Vienna Philaharmonic friends telling us about how they have Guiness on tap in their musicians lounge. What a dream that would be to be playing Don Giovanni and having a lusicious Guiness in preparation for Act 2. No wonder why they sound so amazing.

Thanks to all that have kept this tradition going and I look forward to hearing about many future Oktoberfests at the New World Symphony. Cheers!!!

For more info:

www.abbeybrewingcompany.com

www.nws.edu

www.wiener-staatsoper.at

www.pmf.or.jp/index_en.html

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