2 Different Signs of the Holy Ghost: Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus; Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC

A short video of the after-concert concert

Choir of Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC, Cleveland

I thought I was in Church (but not my Catholic Church, alas)!

Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, after Mozart's "Requiem"

Two extraordinary forms of Church last night at Cleveland's Severance Hall. The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus performed Mozart's "Requiem," 140 voice chorus matched with about 60 members of the Cleveland Orchestra. And then after the concert, another concert, this one by the choir of nearby Mt. Zion Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. Their joyful, ecstatic singing (and movement) made me wonder why Catholic liturgies don't embrace such a thing. I wish this uplifting. almost rapturous experience could have been felt by our bishops!

The Great Cleveland Orchestra

This past Friday we saw the great Cleveland Orchestra play at Severance Hall. The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the world's greatest orchestras. We attended the "Fridays at 7" program, featuring Neruda's "Trumpet Concerto" and Handel's "Water Music." The Neruda piece featured wonderful trumpet playing by Michael Sachs. And in the "Water Music," the harpsichord, recorder, flutes, horns, and trumpets were wonderful, especially in the "Suite in D major," which the conductor, Bernard Labadie, played last, which I understand is not the normal order.

After the concert, there was a group of percussionists, Samba Joia, who played Brazilian rhythms in the Grand Foyer of Severance Hall. The ecstatic drumming brought 6 folks out of the audience to spontaneously dance! I felt like we were in the Carnaval of Rio de Janiero (except no one was without clothes)! Following the drum session, we went back into the Concert Hall for a performance of flamenco music and dancing. The flamenco guitarist, Juanito Pascual, was unbelievable, spectacular. And he was surrounded by 4 percussionists, including the great Jamey Haddad. Equally as spectacular was the flamenco dancing by Nino De Los Reyes. What a night of music! I felt so proud to be a Clevelander Friday night.