Last night, the 3rd December, we held our last Symphonic Aerobics session. We were lucky with the weather, and were able to be outside in the beautiful MEL garden.
We worked out to Handel: Hallelujah Chorus, three movements from Berlioz: L'Enfance du Christ, and Kodaly: Dances of Galanta.
Everyone was very sad that the course is ending, and from the comments I received, I realised that the course was very important and meaningful to the regulars - taking them out of their daily hastle of problems and difficulties, and entering into and totally immersing themselves in the world of music. While we were conducting, and listening to the different styles of music that I introduced, I observed people's body language, and was deeply moved by the passion, emotion, bliss, and joy, on their faces.
This is what I do every day, playing in the symphony orchestra. When I play, there is no way that I can be thinking about everyday problems, I have to concentrate on the matter in hand, totally immerse myself in the music, my technique, listen to what is going on around me, and feel the music. This is something that up until now I have absolutely taken for granted, but after hearing people expressing their heartfelt gratitude, I see that this is really important, and has an intrinsic value for those who do not have the priviledge of playing in an orchestra, and being an active musician, as I do. This is a revelation to me, and something for me to think about, and consider how we can continue the sessions.
I play in the symphony, but I also play in a string quartet, which involves a deep level of communication between us four musicians - again something that up until now I took completely for granted, but now understand that it involves a high level of spiritual as well as musical awareness, and has enormous emotional rewards.
I feel immensely grateful for having had the opportunity to create the Symphonic Aerobics course, and to be able to share such deep and important experiences.
Please leave your comment below if you feel moved to do so.
With love and gratitude.
Elizabeth
