Embarrassment Suffered and Averted

This article submitted by Scott MacClelland on 2/19/02.

Topic: Give your tale a brief descriptive title

The Tale:

In the mid-1960s, I was a classical radio programmer in San Diego, and was assigned the task of tape recording a concert by the celebrated violinist Camilla Wicks and a La Jolla chamber orchestra at the town's Sherwood Hall. I set up my equipment in the wings and began taping as Wicks took the stage. Part way into the program Wicks was dismayed to discover that the inexperienced conductor had lost control of the orchestra, and she--Wicks--began conducting with her bow in an attempt to bring order out of chaos. Ultimately, the movement was begun again.

Then came the great Beethoven violin concerto of which Wicks gave a tremendous performance. A gentleman in the wings with me was assigned the task of delivering to Wicks a bouquet at the end of the concerto. As it turned out, he was not acquainted with the piece. Following the first movement, the excited audience delivered a big ovation. On hearing the applause, the man picked up the flowers and stepped quickly for the stage. Luckily for all concerned, I grabbed him just in time to keep him from creating a scene that would, at least, have embarassed himself and the soloist.

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