MSO Mondays

The first Monday of every month is MSO Monday at Alterra (a local coffee shop). They invite a small group from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to perform at one of their locations around the city. I went for the first time the other night, and it was fabulous – on several levels.

First: Location

This month’s mini-concert was held at the Alterra Foundry in the Fifth Ward. The building was originally the Kramer International Foundry, but has now been converted into offices, etc. The coffee shop was designed in a post-industrial style in deference to the buildings original purpose and also to Milwaukee’s blue collar heritage. The effect is very nice.

Second: Food

I got a turkey club sandwich. The presentation was lovely, and I would have taken a picture, but I was really hungry, and it was yummy and …

Third: The Music

Lots of coffee shops have live music, but how many have a string quartet playing Rossini’s “Six Sonatas”?! I hesitate to say that it was enchanting … but it really was. People were gathered around with wide eyes and half smiles. Even two cops, who had stopped for coffee while patrolling their beat, paused to listen. When it was over, we all mingled with the musicians, asked questions and got another cup of something warm.

Fourth: Total Cost
$5 for the sandwich.

Until next month!