Macky Auditorium Concert Hall — Attraction in Boulder

We visited Macky Auditorium Concert Hall on March 30, 2025 during the performance by Alessio Bax of Rachmaninoff Concerto and by Boulder Philarmonic Orchestra of Stravinsky's "Petrushka" ballet. The pianist was great, you wanted to listen and listen to him. I was struck by the moment when he played the piece completely with his left hand, lowering his right hand down. Having a musical education, I understand how unusual and difficult this is, in addition, you need to choose the right piece. As for the orchestra - here I found many things very strange. Perhaps, since I am a resident of St. Petersburg, Russia, I am accustomed to completely different standards, I do not exclude, but nevertheless, during the performance of Rachmaninoff Concerto, the orchestra clearly lagged behind the pianist in some moments. The pianist's performance seemed smoother, harmonious, full-fledged, well-rehearsed. The orchestra sounded ragged, harsh, not melodic, some problems with the rhythm were heard. "Petrushka" shocked me. I don't remember a single performance in Russia, when a CONDUCTOR (a person who should silently conduct the orchestra and nothing more) suddenly started to describe the ballet, moreover, describe the plot, describe the strange combination of melodies, harmonies in the work, while laughing and then also performing it terribly. It seems to me that Valery Gergiev would not allow himself to comment on "Petrushka" and especially the modes of the ballet, he just silently bows, does his job magnificently, brilliantly and after applause simply leaves. Silently to do his job perfectly. Perhaps here it is accepted differently. But within the framework of classicism it looked inappropriate. I would not advise a conductor to tell the plot of ballets, since a person, quite possibly, will want to watch the ballet himself and will see it completely differently, not as the conductor described. This is inappropriate. In general, a conductor who speaks is a rarity. It was also unexpected that the lights were not turned off during the performance. Usually the stage is illuminated, this creates special attention to it, besides, it is not very pleasant for the musicians to see how some spectators in the first row are sleeping, I think the musicians should be spared. Nothing should distract their attention. In general, it looked like a home performance between close people, as was previously performed in noble families in Russia, but not a concert. Perhaps this is the effect the performers wanted to achieve. So, as they say, you don't go to someone else's monastery with...

This is a review of the Macky Auditorium men's room, which I visited today, and after which Google prompted me to write a review. I give it five stars. It has good quality porcelain fixtures, thoughtfully arranged in a sort of early 20th-century style. If you go in the middle of the day, as I did, you may have the place all to yourself and needn't worry about the sighing, farting, or grunting noises you make being audible to others. If you are lucky enough to nab the handicapped stall, as I was, you'll find it very spacious and welcoming. The flush works great, the soap dispenser was intuitively easy to use, and plenty of great hot water...

Macky is a well-loved and well-attended auditorium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The acoustics are beautiful for everything from live classical and jazz to prerecorded modern and experimental music played with dance ensemble performances. The volume can get a little loud at times but I've never felt like I was going to lose my hearing. I recommend not sitting much farther back in the orchestra than 3-4 rows under the balcony. Some sounds can get a little muted that far away. The building was updated not long ago with a second women's restroom; no more trips across the street during...