You Think You Got it Bad?

Being a classical musician can be pretty stressful sometimes. Musicians are one of few workers who perform their job in front of an audience. There is no spell-check, no do-overs and no second chances in a concert – you either do it or you don’t.

With an opera orchestra in a pit, there are some extra hazards that can add stress. Because of the confined space, the volume level can be quite loud at times, exceeding healthy levels. Many musicians use ear plugs, specialized ear protection and sound shields to prevent hearing loss. Navigating through the darkness, the maze of electrical cords, multi-leveled platforms, low-hanging pipes and ceilings, and other people can be as tricky as an obstacle course.

• Life in the Pit

Objects from the stage can fall into the open pit and onto unsuspecting musicians – fortunately this rarely happens.

During a Verdi opera performance several years ago, a large globe prop rolled off of its stand and fell into the pit. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. At another performance of a Mozart opera, the electrical power went out and the entire hall went black. Musicians improvised by using cell phones to light their music and to keep playing.

In both cases, the old adage of “the show must go on” held true. The show went on.

These hazards are minor compared to what some musicians face in other parts of the world. In some third world countries, musicians are subjected to all sorts of extra dangers.

Did you know that in Baghdad, Iraq for example, that there is a symphony orchestra? Well there is, and in spite of the dangers involved in performing Western music in a gender-mixed ensemble, a small cadre of devoted classical musicians perform monthly concerts. The Wall Street Journal recently featured this orchestra and has written a very thought-provoking article.

• In Iraq, the Symphony Orchestra Plays On