On December 6th (just a few days before our lives would change forever) Husband and I were treated to a performance at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. We decided to make it a date night because afterwards we would be heading to the "Charthouse" for dinner with Husband's company. Plus, we knew that our weekends out would be limited in the near future. It was a delightful night overall.
However, let me make some observations about our time at the Symphony...
Husband and I were under the impression that there would be some of the traditional Christmas music. You know, things that we sing in church or even music sung by old crooners like Bing Crosby. We were surprised to hear music from "Home Alone" and more contemporary, unfamiliar type tunes that didn't really seem to capture the REAL meaning of the season. I did appreciate some of the Hanukkahinspired music withits upbeat tempos. There were some other fun things that were added into the performance that made it all the more fun -- antlers on the orchestra, a three-year old conducting, and noticing one of the violin players had a service dog with antlers, too.
I must tell you that there was one significant and redeeming moment in the whole performance. When I sat down and looked at the program and noted that they would at least be performing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. I turned to Husband and asked if he thought that people here would know that they are supposed to stand at the playing of the chorus. He thought probably not and I was bummed. As the orchestra started the piece I looked at Husband and "played" like I was getting ready to stand up. I sat back for a few more seconds and realized that people way down in the pricier seats were starting to stand. My heart leaped to my throat! I stood immediately and watched as more and more people stood. I could hear people around me asking why they were standing. I cried. Little did they know it was in reverence to the King of Kings. Did they not hear the words more than just "hallelujah?" That was the best part of the whole performance for sure.
On a side note... when you are singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" remember that it was written poolside right here in Phoenix, poolside at the Biltmore. Here in the Valley we are always dreaming of a white Christmas. That's when we pack up the family and head north for the day.
