I've lived in Rochester more years than I can count on both my fingers and toes, and yet had never been to "Live from Hochstein." I'd heard about it for years, as it began way back in 1975. It starts at 12:10 p.m. and ends at 12:50 p.m., giving you 10 minutes on either end to get from and to your workplace. Bring a bag lunch, listen to live classical music while munching, and it's free. Sounds like a good deal to me, and a nice way to spend a lunch hour. It had been long enough and I was determined to go at least once. So last summer I packed up a lunch and headed to Hochstein School of Music & Dance. Finally, I was going to do it!

Not. The doors were locked, and when I went to the information desk, I was told they didn't do it during the summer. Bummer.

Now, many months later, I finally went again. Or, for the first time. Inside, the performance hall is just the right size to appreciate the epic qualities of classical music, and yet cozy enough to feel present. The seats wrap around the stage in a semi-circle and beautiful stained-glass windows run the height of the hall, shades of warm green with splashes of purple illuminated by the sun outside.

I'm not sure if second row is the best place to sit when the orchestra is only horns. I felt like my ears were ringing. As it is simulcast live on WXXI 91.5, this is one concert that always begins and ends on time. Before the "on the air" sign was lit, we were instructed to applaud so they could set the sound balance. The music was holiday related, with a fun rendition of "Jingle Bells" complete with sleigh bells. Many of the performers wore Santa hats, or red accessories, the director wearing a tie adorned with Christmas bulbs. As it was all horns, I was surprised that it was mostly women with just a few men.

During pieces, I craned my neck hoping for a Mordecai Lipshutz sighting. He had hosted the program until his retirement last year. One of the ushers told me he was spotted in the audience the week before, so I was a week off. Speaking of weeks, next week is the final performance until spring. It just figures.