Rafaela and Esther suggested we come out and enjoy Chicago a bit more, so I took some time off and ventured to the streets to see many of the city's landmarks: the Hancock Observatory, the Shedd Aquarium, and many other incredible places (God bless the City Pass). But what topped everything else was Saint James Cathedral and their series of concerts for busy people. It illustrates the spirit I wish we could take home and cultivate.
It is very much what I mentioned earlier about Mike Rose's quote "The power of invitation". The parish organizes an event with a group of people in mind. One can tell immediately that there's a lot of thinking beforehand: who will come to hear the concerts? are they busy? are they in a hurry? how can we woo them? (Chris, I borrowed the expression you used in class).
The result: since they figured many people were uncomfortable with long, complicated sessions long intermissions and the usual stiffness one can find in some concert halls, they came up with short sessions of music called "Rush Hour Concerts". At 5:15 you can show up (they think of your schedule, not theirs), talk to the artists (they think of your curiosity, not their comfort) drink some tea and/or wine in their company (they entice you) and at 5:45 there's a 30-minute session.
In came the wealthy and the homeless, the religious and the not-so-religious, the connossieur and the rookie. But doesn't the poor and the ignorant have the right to listen to heavenly music as well as the élite? Shouldn't everyone have the opportunity to be educated by the best of the best?
Cool. I didn't know about these concerts. It is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThe "woo" comment is not mine. Rose uses it, and it is a common phrase used in some contexts.