Music for the Soul

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Tis the season of egg nog, chocolate and concerts! 


in the past two weeks, I was happy to attend five unique Christmas concerts - with plans to attend two more concerts this weekend. And if I had the stamina there are many more opportunities this time of year to enjoy wonderful live music.


While I sit in the audience, I am filled with gratitude for the multiple musicians who graciously share their time and talent to create something beautiful to lift the spirits of all. Thank you and kudos to the music directors who with great skill and generous grace lead a group of strangers to become one voice. Thank you and kudos to the singers and musicians who sing and play for pure joy. Thank you and kudos to all who rush away from their supper table, who leave home on winter nights, drive to a practice site and give their all to be part of something bigger than themselves.


As I live with one of those singers, I know first hand that the beauty they create does not happen in a vacuum. It takes practice, practice, practice.


I read that, “What is possible could never be achieved unless people had tried again and again to achieve the impossible in this world.” Thank you to those who believe in the impossible. 


Often David will begin a season of new music by saying, “This is way over my head!” Undaunted, he heads out to Saint John; always returning home elated after being bathed in music.


Whatever the music style, for a moment in time the whole audience becomes one. In an act of solidarity we clap together, laugh together and sometimes strangers shed a tear together. 


It is as if music puts a spell on the audience  - perhaps taking us to a tender memory or to a place never explored. Sometimes voices of the past fill the space. 


Voices from church choirs, hymn sings and camp fires. Like the voice of the travelling music teacher who would arrive once a week to our one room school house and try to instil a love of music into our young hearts. 


During a concert, those voices all seem to hover in that thin place where the lines between past, present and future fade away - with a reminder that despite the despair of the world, within each of us is an invincible hope.


I do hope you get the opportunity to attend a concert - if not in person at least on line. 


Finally, whatever your understanding of Christmas, whatever your memories - life giving or not, when the music and words come together may they also lift you to a place of hope. 


In Peace,


Elizabeth


elizstevenson@gmail.com

506-650-4812

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 15, 2023 at 11:20 AM

    So enjoyed Westfield United Choir last night.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 15, 2023 at 3:46 PM

    I have been to several concerts this year and enjoyed everyone. They lift your spirits for sure. Grace

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 15, 2023 at 7:45 PM

    This one absolutely resonated with me Elizabeth ! I love this season because I can give the gift of music - it is such a gift to be in the presence of friends again singing with friends in my ears !
    Thank you !!
    Sue K

    ReplyDelete

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