The Late Starters Orchestra

After twenty-five years, a middle aged man picks up his cello and joins an orchestra - - an orchestra for people just like him, whose busy lives have gotten in the way of pursuing their love of music.

As a former violinist and orchestra member, I could relate to Ari’s experience as an older adult. He told his story well, and I found myself wanting to pick up my violin and start playing again and what better way to do that than to join an orchestra. Like Ari, I love the camaraderie and shared experience of playing with others. It’s a whole different vibe than going solo. And speaking of sharing, I loved that Ari’s relationship with his son grew because of their joint efforts in playing the cello, albeit his son quickly surpassed him show more because, as he points out, children learn differently than adults.

An inspirational book, especially for musicians or wannabe musicians. show less

I received this book from the Early Readers selections in early July and I really enjoyed it. This is the true story of a man who decides that he will play the cello at his 60th birthday celebration. The cello has been *his* instrument since childhood and although he loves it with all his heart, he has never mastered it. In order to attempt to realize his dream, he enlists the spirit of his childhood cello teacher/mentor, he joins an orchestra of *late starters* -- others who, like himself, played the instrument in their past but for whatever reasons stopped playing for several years and are now returning to it -- and pursues every avenue open to him at this stage of his life. The book also tells the parallel stories of his youngest show more son's cello education and the influence this has on Goldman, himself, as well as Goldman's own story of growing up. show less

I was fortunate to win this from LibraryThing. Thank you!

This book is a little gem, and a very quick read. Mr. Ari Goldman had me smiling throughout his story. As I was reading his story of music and perseverance, I found myself thinking that aging is not a sad and boring stage in life. He has proven, as have others, that opportunities in life as always there as long as we possess dreams and desires. A lovely, moving story stuffed into 287 pages.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I liked how the story of Ari challanging himself to become proficient on the cello later in late middle age was peppered with anecdotes and recollections of different aspects and times in his life which, while not always relevant to the story, were entertaining nonetheless. I was also surpised to find how many other gray hairs there are like him, who yearn to play in an ameteur orchestra or in public.

Ari Goldman, author of The Late Starters Orchestra, and I are unlikely compatriots…he’s a devoutly committed Jew, I’m an equally devout… aetheist; he played violin, piano and most noteworthy the Cello…I have never played any musical instrument; His devotion to music is matched by his commitment to his closely knitted family, while my family often gives believable vibes of being totally dysfunctional.
So why did I enjoy reading this wonderful tale of Mr. Goldman’s journey through life so very much? Because there is indeed a bond between us…a complete and total love of music. Like Ari, I don’t really listen to music as much as FEEL it….there are few things in life that mean as much to me as good music…which could be show more classical, jazz, some pop and most European pop (Ala Jean-Jacques Goldman, Patrick Bruel, Zazie, Lara Fabian, et al…)
This wonderful little book is a magnificently written chronicle of Goldman’s evolution as a musician, as well as a human being…he gives a masterful record of his development as a cello player and it is filled with humor and serious information as well as poignant snippets of his journey through life….
I loved reading this book, and will probably reread it someday. show less

We are all barraged with a litany of "too(s)" - being "too" old, "too" fat, "too" stupid, "too" weak, etc. It takes a special kind of courage to turn the limitation of "too" into a "so"; as in "I'm so much more than you give me credit for". I'll admit I'm a sucker for that kind of story and The Late Starters Orchestra does not disappoint.

Author Ari L Goldman originally began playing the cello at the age of 26; already a bit long in the tooth to hope for mastery. But with encouragement and inspiration from his teacher, affectionately known as Mr. J, Goldman grew to love the instrument and the music it made. But after seven years, with a new family and a busy career, the cello was replaced with more pressing concerns.

Replaced but not show more forgotten.

Goldman has a soul for music and as his sixtieth birthday approached he decided to give the cello another go. He tells us of his trials and tribulations of working to gain/regain such an intricate skill with older fingers and brain. He introduces us to others who are also on the quest of playing music beyond the flush of youth and to a very special cellist in his life who is the flush of youth personified - his son, Judah. And throughout the book there is Mr. J -the endearing and complex teacher who becomes the soul of the cello.

A sweet and satisifying story. Recommended especially for music lovers. And anyone who has had an attack of the "too(s)". show less

I didn't warm up to this book right away. And the first time I read it, I missed a lot. But as you can see, I gave it five stars, and I'm currently re-reading it. I love reading about Mr. Goldman's journey to finally playing 2 cello pieces at his 60th birthday. It was not a linear path, but no real life story is. The illustrations are an exquisite addition. I would liken it to Noah Adams' book, Piano Lessons, about the NPR host who had a similar age/music goal.