Stanford Live

While looking for interesting local events, I stumbled upon an Instagram ad for Stanford Live. It was for "Spanish Favorites" by the SF Symphony, held at Frost Amphitheater on the Stanford University campus. Classical concerts aren’t usually my go-to, but the idea of experiencing a live performance in an open environment sounded intriguing, so I decided to buy tickets.

I would love to take a stroll around Stanford because it’s close to my home. But I had never visited the theater. Once I finally did, I realized why—it felt like a hidden gem, almost like a secret garden; the place is not seen from the outside easily. When I passed through the gate, I was surprised by the expansive park and the beautiful amphitheater. Having little knowledge about the venue, I bought front-row seats, but many people chose to sit or lie on the lawn, enjoying the music in a more relaxed way. It made for a really picturesque scene.

The music was fantastic, even though I wasn’t familiar with most of the pieces. The highlight for me was Pablo Sáinz Villegas's guitar solo. It's difficult to put the experience into words, but if I had to choose one, "colorful" would best capture the feeling. I was thrilled to have discovered such a wonderful local event. It was a refreshing experience, with great music and the beauty of an outdoor setting. I’m excited to explore more local performances like this in the future. It reminded me that the joy of life doesn't always come from grand adventures or iconic destinations.