December 19, 2011

Today it was not only through my eyes, by through my ears. It was a wonderful, magical Christmas music day. Early Sunday morning Melissa and I arrived at the massive conference center to listen to the annual Christmas version of Music and the Spoken Word, together with a mini-concert following. We knew it would be good and were excited to finally be there. Somehow, once you are there it is even better than you imagine. Our seats were in the balcony, on the very front row, right in the center, which turned out to be perfect. We had a great view of all the action, perfect balance of sound and the jumbo screens to give us the close-up detail we lacked from our seats. We loved it. I always enjoy the choir, but seeing (and hearing them) in person is something that a music lover must experience for themselves. Once again they did not disappoint.
The decorators had done their usual masterful work and the stage glistening with lights, snow covered the branches of dozens of trees placed in various arches of two towering castles, each aglow from their stained glass windows. Overhead two gigantic ribbons formed a frame for the stage, each centered by a festive arrangement. The set was so elaborate but blended beautifully with the pipes from the organ. Nestled in the center was the 360 voiced choir and over 100 piece orchestra. During the performance it even had room for 100 dancers and the two special guests, Nathan Gunn (gorgeous baritone voice) and narrator actress Jane Seymore. What a totally wonderful Christmas experience.
Tonight, we enjoyed another Christmas musical tradition, the West Jordan Symphony's presentation of their annual Messiah sing-along. Musicians perhaps not as skilled as the Tab choir and orchestra, but not any less enthusiastic. We enjoyed following along with our own musical score and sang along as best we could, not concerned that we weren't hitting all the runs or totally accurate on each note. The point was just enjoying that incredible masterpiece of music. It is a community sing-along, meant to be enjoyed by families, young and old, through all stages of life. One child danced in the isle with a jingle bell around her neck. She was singing along in her own way with her dance moves. Many chose not to sing and just enjoyed listening. We got involved, sang at the top of our lungs and came home grateful that we had experienced this wonderful music once again. So the Tab. Choir to start our day and the Messiah to end it. That's what I saw and heard through the windows of my eyes and ears. What did you see today?