Why Subscribe? Interview with a Subscriber

Somerville resident Ceallaigh Reddy has attended and subscribed to Old Post Road’s subscription series for several years. Staff members recently had the opportunity to talk with Ceallaigh about her interest in the ensemble and the benefits of being a subscriber.

Q: You have been attending Old Post Road’s concerts for quite some time. Do you recall when you started subscribing and why?

Hmmm…It has to have been ten or twelve years. I admit that I’ve lost track! A former co-worker and I became good friends and found that we both enjoy classical concerts. As is common these days, with busy lives, coordinating schedules on an impromptu basis wasn’t as easy as we’d like. So, we decided that subscribing to a concert series would enable us to enjoy each other’s company, enjoy good music, and support the arts on a regular basis.

Q: Over the years, benefits have been added for subscribers. What benefits have been most helpful to you?

Well, both of us work for non-profit organizations, so the fact that OPR’s ticket prices are very reasonable and that we get the subscription discount helps. We love the preferred seating and both of us regularly take advantage of the subscriber discount on OPR CDs and other products, both for ourselves and to purchase as gifts. I’m using my OPR mug right now as I answer this (honest!).

Q: How are Old Post Road concerts distinguished from others that
you attend?

I like the fact that they’re typically quite intimate, in varied, relatively small settings. I love the idea of “Post Road” venue choices. We typically end up at the Boston or Cambridge shows, as it’s more convenient for us, but over the years we’ve been to Wayland, Waltham, Wellesley, and even out to Worcester. We learn something about each historical venue as well as enjoy the concert.

Q: Do you have any favorite programs that you can recall from
past seasons?

Oh, that’s a difficult one. I can’t think of any specific show that stands out—I can’t think of one that I haven’t liked! I really enjoy the various themes of each, and the way that programs typically mix the pieces of a well-known composer with those of one or two lesser-known figures. I also enjoy the outstanding musicianship of the regulars, while looking forward to guest performers when they appear.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readership?

I’d like to add that I very much appreciate the educational aspects of OPR. At each concert, I learn new things about the music, the composers, and the era in which they lived. Your program notes are great, as are the bits of introduction you offer before the concerts, or the hands-on activities such as the musical dice games. Musicians have been unfailingly accessible after concerts to answer questions, show off instruments, and so forth. And your policy of allowing accompanied minors to attend free of charge is a wonderful way to encourage the next generation.

Kudos, and my sincerest appreciation to each one of you. My concert partner and I look forward to each season with great anticipation. Thank you for keeping the music alive, vibrant, and accessible. Long live Musicians of the Old Post Road!