The Day the Music Died: Goodbye to Burt Hara

I have never actually met Burt Hara. I feel as if I know him though, because I’ve experienced him perform. He is so revealing when he plays, I practically blush. The clarinet was never an instrument I particularly liked as a kid, it left upon me the impression of ducks; a squawk of a noise, flying up from a sea of strings.

And then I heard Burt. His clarinet sounded like snowflakes. Weightless and intricate, his notes drifted across the hall, each one a perfect crystalline creation.

Physically he never held back. In performance he would often rise up out of his seat, sometimes more of a bobbing up and down than a smooth uptake, his face would become strained, turn crimson from his efforts of birthing his music.

I have a nostalgic connection with the Minnesota Orchestra. In my youth I studied under the co-principal flutist at the time, Barb Leibundguth. I played in the Minnesota Youth Symphonies in high school, conducted by Manny Laureano, principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra (to this day, when I hear Stravinsky’s Firebird, I think about Manny and being under his baton).

Both Barb and Manny had great influence over me, musically and personally, giving me gifts beyond diamonds. When I saw them perform in the orchestra, I felt deeply humbled to be under their tutelage, and immensely grateful they were artistic contributors to the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota Orchestra was not only to be admired for their collective talent, they were also a constant. Now, I am afraid it will be no more. The Minnesota Orchestra has come unraveled and I don’t see its repair.

In addition to being sad, I also feel like a neglectful lover. I hadn’t been to a Minnesota Orchestra concert in many years. I was so sure it would be around for the next 50, I didn’t feel the urgency. Now facing abandonment, I am reminded of the importance to support the performing arts—at all times. If you’re a poor student, get the rush tickets, save a little extra. If you’re doing well in life, invite a guest to accompany you. If you’re a parent, make the time. Just go.

I missed my last opportunity to see Burt again at the farewell concert held in late May. Maybe it’s for the best. I think listening to the music of some of our greatest talent for (very possibly) the last time here, may have undone me. As the summer ticks by, the situation continuing to spiral downwards, I am left to imagine a Minnesota without the Minnesota Orchestra.

I imagine it will be like winter, without snow.