Candlelight Concert, Music, Books, and Poetry: A Weekend of Beauty

I'd been looking forward to this event for a few months; a violin string quartet playing Vivaldi Four Seasons by candlelight. How much more ambiance could you ask for?

I walked into the Bellwether Hotel Ballroom, a venue I know well from years of attending Chanticleer Writing Conferences in that location as well as a couple continuing ed classes for my mental health license. But wow. The conference room had been totally transformed. The large space was darkened and lit only by dozens of white candles. They surrounded the perimeter and filled every corner. Smack in the middle of the room was a dais for the performers, under a crystal chandelier.

After finding our section, my friend Jan and I sat and caught up on our recent travels and plans for the year.

Then the music started and my experience began. From the first draws of the bows, I was transfixed by the music. The vibrance of the strings sung vibrations through my body to my very core. It was so beautiful, that tears came unbidden to my eyes.

Sitting just a four rows away from the music gave a directness like a private performance.

Like sitting around a campfire, it was so intimate, an experience beyond the theater of a large symphony. Listening to this 300 year old music in this beautiful setting was a royal experience, reminiscent of chamber music of the past.

As my body reacted to the beauty of the music and the ambiance, I was well aware of how badly I needed this respite from the craziness in the world today. It set my world in balance again. Without ugliness, there is the perfection of peace and joy.

It was worth every dollar spent on the ticket. I would certainly recommend it and i will go again.

And my weekend continued to be a focus on the arts. Saturday I was part of a book fair at the mall and honored to be part of thirty authors. The talent we have in our community was on display and I went home with a new read which I'm excited to start.

Sunday I sat in the majesty of Assumption Catholic Church and listened to a concert by Bellingham Chorale. The harmony was so good it was like one rich voice ebbing and flowing with a powerful voice made by talented singers, including my good friend Carol.

Then Monday, St. Patrick's Day, I was part of Poet's Luck Poetry Reading at the Whatcom Art Center. Four of us read poetry, very diverse and amazing each on its own. John S. Green read a script with his wife, Jen, about their weeks in Bethlehem last year, during the Gaza bombing, with John's punchy haiku interjected in the story of their visit. Jeffrey St. Rose read a series of metaphysical poems celebrating the senses, mesmerizing us with his deep postcaster's voice. Eileen Coughlin had us both laughing and crying with her as she read from her newly published, "Postcards from Autism". Then I read from my collection of peace poetry. I was pleased to note that there were four other peace poets in the audience.

Can I just say that celebrating the arts in my community was uplifting and healing and I recommend that you look for those opportunities.

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