"The Best of all Possible Worlds"

So, how does a reference to Candide end up in a blog about Haydn and choral music? Strange alignment of planetary confluences? Or, simply a highschool English/History teacher who is currently immersed in both the book and Haydn's Creation? Choose the last one - trust me.
Last night was the first concert of a two concert run of Haydn's Creation. Not only that, we had a spectacular multi-media production to go along with the music. It was amazing. From where I was standing the overall experience couldn't have been any better. I received numerous kudos for the chorus came my way as I made the mad dash to the loft to protect the recording equipment from potential five finger discounts. It was very good.
Back to why I'm writing this blog - buzz kill. The other topic of this blog, besides my passionate affair with music, is the Chorale (to whom I am dedicated heart and soul) Like children that you gave birth to but who sometimes push your buttons - that's the Chorale. A sample of my last few days: "The call is too early!" "The lights are hot." "The chairs are backwards" "That singer behind me is terrible" "Ernie cannot hear me". Yes, all legitimate things that were told to me by otherwise mature individuals.
For "The Call is Too Early" guy. . . I said , "We've always come in an hour before concert. How about you call Ernie and tell him your concerns." His response, "Oh, that's okay, it's just too early." So I go into broken record mode and repeat same advice while dodging his overwhelmingly alcoholic breath and trying to decipher his slurring words. . Really? He's worried about the call time? One less hour to drink is how I see it.
For "The Lights are Too Hot" lady. . . I said, "Yes, they are hot." That's all I said. Several times in a theme variation but that's what I said. To her credit she finally said, "I guess that's just the way lights are. " She gets a gold star for that.
For "The Chairs are Backwards" consortium. . . What they do not realize is that a wonderful Maryland Hall employee named Michelle thought about us in advance and generously - without our asking - set up those chairs for us. Put that in your music and sing it!
For "That Singer behind me was Awful" lady. . . as I wasn't addressed directly but just came about this information second hand I would love to say what I could never say, "Suck it up Buttercup. . it ain't a bed of roses anywhere" My legitimate response would be, "And you sing perfectly all the time yourself? Ever think someone doesn't think you sound like Glinda?"
For "Ernie cannot hear me" lady. . . again, I received this second hand and my snarky remark would be "Thank God" but my other, legitimate response is "We are a chorus. No one of us needs Ernie to hear us individually. Isn't that the antithesis of what a chorus is?"
All of this aside - you'd think it would disturb my peace and tranquility and joy in what I do. I've learned that when people are complaining to you all you have to do is listen. My ability to change the situations is limited or non-existent at best. I don't know . . . just once, I'd like to enjoy a concert that was criticism and complaint free. I wonder if that will ever happen? Doubtful as I am surrounded by, gasp, human beings! Hmmm. . . I wonder if everyone can accept that.
I suspect that if I were to say - okay, sit where ever you want. . anywhere. . they'd all still complain about their seating arrangements. .
As a matter of fact, I'd put good money on it.