My wife and I went to the Kansas City Symphony last night. Perfect evening for it: cold outside, heavy snow falling, a hush upon the city. Inside the Lyric it was warm and packed and full of symphonic magic. There’s something about a crowd in a concert hall in winter, especially when the woman beside you takes off her coat, reveals a beautiful backless dress, and settles into her seat.

Beethoven’s 5th, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto (amazing damn performance by Barnabás Kelemen), and something by Ives. Naturally I’m big on the former two. Have never been able to get my head around Ives, which makes me a disappointment to my Connecticut friends, but we all have to disappoint someone.