Markand Thakar

By Liz Atwood

October 12, 2008

Next Sunday afternoon, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra opens its 26th season under the baton of music director Markand Thakar with a concert at Goucher College's Kraushaar Auditorium. The program, in collaboration with the Handel Choir of Baltimore, includes favorites by Mozart, Vaughan Williams and Faure. Thakar, who also conducts the symphony orchestra and opera in Duluth, Minn., lives with his wife Victoria, professor of viola at the Peabody Conservatory, and son Oliver, in Owings Mills.

Lower windows in my studio.

"We live on a beautiful wooded lot, but the windows in my studio are too high to see out of when seated. Frustrating!"

iPhone

"Gotta have the iPhone! Unfortunately, also gotta keep Verizon, so until Verizon and Apple work it out, this is not in the cards."

Personal Learjet

"Failing that, a lifetime Northwest Airline platinum elite status … that cross-country flight from Baltimore to Duluth is much more pleasant with a first-class upgrade to the front of the plane."

New sod for the front lawn

"Moles, poor pH balance, and way too much sunlight have wreaked havoc with our lawn. (OK, this is really something for the neighbors.)"

A full house for our opening concert

"Come check us out…a world-class orchestra, great music, and all students are free with ID. It's Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m., with a pre-concert talk by WBJC's Jonathan Palevsky at 2 p.m. Tickets available on our Web site, thebco.org, or by phone 410-704-2787."