I tried something that I had wanted to do when I was in Toulouse in the autumn but never got around to (or maybe never got up the nerve to do). I went to a concert at the at the Halle aux Grains. I had seen a poster in the Place de Capitole for the Orchestre National Capitole Toulouse featuring cellist Jean-Guinean Queyras. The main piece of music that was being played was Beethoven’s Symphony Number 8.

I went online for the orchestra and found that there were tickets and I could get one for a reasonable price, so I decided I would go to the concert.

The Halle aux Grains is an older covered market for selling grains that borders the Canal du Midi that was built in 1864. As trade practices changed and the canal was no longer used for major grain shipments, the building changed uses and in the 1970s, it was converted to a concert hall. The outside is still the old structure but inside is a hexagonal concert venue. There is seating on all six sides of the stage. It feels very intimate and has good acoustics as far as I can tell.

The concert was three pieces of music, Mozart’s La Clémence de Titus, Schumann’ Sonata for Cello and Beethoven’s 8th Symphony. All were very good. The cellist was definitely talented and played movingly. After the Schuman Sonata, he played a solo encore that was very emotional. Since I do not understand enough French when they speak quickly, I am not sure exactly what the encore was.

Again, my lack of French came into play as the program was changed and the conductor was different. I got the announcement about the change but was not sure why it occurred. I was pleased with the pieces so had no complaints.

The orchestra was very young. I would say the median age was under 35 and maybe even under 30. They played well and seemed to really enjoy performing. I know there is a conservatory here so that might be what brings all the young musicians to Toulouse. I have also noted as I walk around that I see lots of young people with instruments in cases walking the city.

Other than the concert, I had my usual day. I walked around and enjoyed the early spring weather. I missed the Cherry Blossoms in DC but did see one cherry tree that was not quite in full bloom next to the Dungeon Toulouse behind the Place de Capitole. This gave me a small feeling of home.

As a treat in the afternoon, I had a chocolate and hot chocolat.

Just a little aside, there is a Mexican carry-out in the bottom of the apartment building that I live in. I have not (and probably will not be) adventurous enough to try it.