LOTR 21st Anniversary Concert
Hello Fellow Adventurers,
It's been a wild ride so far, but I think this week has been the best yet! For my birthday treat to myself, I got tickets to an unforgettable event - The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring 21st Anniversary Concert. Complete with a live orchestra and a jumbo screen playing for three nights at Radio City Music Hall - It was nothing short of legendary!
Being a lifelong Lord of the Rings fan, I had always dreamed of following in Bilbo and Frodo's footsteps to Middle-Earth. In 2018, my dream came true when I and my friend Candice visited New Zealand! We celebrated our newfound freedom after our company was closed by taking what will forever be remembered as one of the most epic trips we have ever taken - exploring places where scenes from an iconic series were filmed. From hiking breathtaking landscapes to observing local cultures, it was truly magical – something that neither words nor pictures can accurately capture. It renewed not only the flame for Tolkein within us both but also reaffirmed how special friendship is: no matter life’s unpredictability or changes; we are surer together than apart.
My evening was off to a great start as I strolled into La Pecora Bianca, one of my favorite Italian eateries in NYC. With 7 locations around Manhattan, the Bryant Park spot had me swooning over its delicious pasta dishes and rose-sipping ambiance that night! But without reservation - would luck be on my side? It turns out it sure was; seats available immediately! A huge fan of their Garganeli (wild mushroom + arugula pesto+ pecorino) I also scooped up some Cacio e Pepe Fritters alongside...these incredible little black pepper balls with creamy cheese were not only eye candy but lip-smacking good too. All washed down with a house Rose wine whose brightness and light acidity felt like liquid sunshine cascading through every sip.
As I approached Radio City Music Hall, my excitement was met with a hint of nerves as I realized I had arrived way too early. But that turned out to be the best stroke of luck; when they opened the doors for us eager audience members. As soon as my feet touched those famed steps, my nerves were swept away by awe. Every corner held centuries’ worth of history - not only in tales but stunning architecture too!
As I stepped inside the theater, my breath was taken away by its grandeur. With 6,000 seats filling up with excited movie fans from all over the world, this wondrous place surely deserved to be considered one of the most famous theaters around! Settling into my chair and feeling a spark of anticipation for what lay ahead that night. As we all waited for the show to start an ethereal violin began playing Howard Shore’s “History Of The Ring” - sending shivers down everyone's spines. I was instantly transported back to when I first watched the Lord Of The Rings trilogy in awe. That classic soundtrack is so recognizable within only seconds of hearing it – an ever-lasting reminder that epic adventures begin here on these hallowed grounds!
As the lights dimmed, a chorus of anticipation filled the room. On cue, an orchestra and choir materialized on stage with stunning soloists in tow – all led by a remarkable conductor - ready to perform The Lord Of The Rings soundtrack for our eager ears! I could barely contain my excitement as they delivered each note precisely; it was like listening to music from another world. Every part was executed expertly while transporting us further into Middle Earth's enchanting atmosphere through beautiful harmonies that left even the most hardened veteran mesmerized. Simply put, this concert experience was absolutely fabulous!
After an action-packed first half of the movie, I took a well-deserved break to stretch my legs. The theater was teeming with excited viewers and the thought of navigating them all again had me firmly planted in one spot until it was showtime!
During the second half of the show, it became even more impactful as a result of its poignant subject matter. When all was said and done, everyone in attendance rose to their feet in awe - creating an extraordinary tribute for both orchestra and choir members who had performed with such skill throughout! One truly special moment from that experience was being surrounded by people whose love for this movie ran just as deep I mine did; adding appreciation not only to what we were witnessing but to each other's presence too. It made me feel connected despite our lack of personal knowledge about one another…a beautiful reminder that we are never really alone when finding others with whom you share commonalities.
All in all, it was a great week - made even greater by my self-gifted ticket to the live concert of one of my favorite movies. Experiencing the music of Fellowship of the Ring with a full orchestra and a jumbo screen showed me just how powerful music can be. I tapped into something effortless and magical that night that no words truly suffice. For any other LOTR fanatics out there, this experience is something you won't want to miss out on, so keep an eye out for when it comes back around!
My hope for everyone is that you are also experiencing moments like this, no matter how big or small because life is meant to be lived and memories should be made! Moments like this just remind us to live boldly in everyday life and make decisions that are true to our interests, dreams, and desires. That way we never have to wonder ‘what if.’
So however your journey continues - may you make happy memories and spend your time wisely with those you love most! And don’t forget to check in with me from time to time - to keep up with all my adventures. So don't miss out on all this world has to offer – subscribe now to never miss an adventure!
History Corner: Radio City Music Hall was built in the late 1920s by John D Rockefeller, the Radio Corporation of America, and S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel. Originally intended to be an opera house, the idea was dashed by the downturn of the economy due to the Great Depression. Rather than give up the $91 million piece of land he was leasing in the city, Rockefeller build an entire complex of buildings on the property-buildings so superior that they would attract commercial tenants. Together, Rockefeller, the RCA, and Roxy came up with the idea for a theater unlike anything seen before in the world. “Radio City Music Hall was to be a palace for the people. A place of beauty offering high-quality entertainment at prices ordinary people could afford. It was intended to entertain and amuse, but also to elevate and inspire.”
Donald Deskey was the architect that won the competition to design the interior of the space. Going for grandeur over glitz, Deskey designed more than thirty-eight different spaces, all with separate themes and motifs. He made art an integral part of the design, engaging fine artists to create murals, wall coverings, and sculpture; textile designers to develop draperies and carpets; craftsmen to make ceramics, wood panels, and chandeliers. Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theater in the world, with the auditorium measuring 160 feet from back to the stage and a marquee that is a full city block long. More than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy stage shows, movies, concerts, and special events. There’s no place like it to see a show or stage a show. (https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall/history)