Two standing ovations
The first for Simon Rattle, the Berlin Philharmonic, Ben Heppner, and Thomas Quasthoff, in a spectacular performance of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde at Symphony Hall. The audience didn’t want it to end, letting the last notes hang in the air as Sir Simon held the baton out, then roaring to their feet to call the performers back out several times.
The second for Barack Obama, who spoke to an enthusiastic crowd in Manchester, NH, to launch his education plan. As a teacher, I appreciate his thought to the many phases of education, from support for early-childhood development through training and supporting teachers as true professionals. I’ve also been impressed by Obama’s technology policy, including Network Neutrality and patent reform.
