Heartfelt Confession: Audience member shares his experience
Posted by ZAP is YOU
May 31, 2016
0 Comments | Leave a comment
Share on FacebookGoogle PlusEmail this
A surprise question.
During intermission at our concert in Salt Lake City, funded in part by our ZAP grant, and presented by the
Park City Chamber Music Society, a man from the audience asked if it would be alright for him to speak to the audience at the conclusion of the concert. The concert venue was the beautiful All Saints Episcopal Church on Foothill Drive, not too far from the University of Utah. The artists put on a wonderful performance
featuring string quartet, clarinet and classical guitar in various combinations and program included the Mozart Clarinet Quartet, a Mozart Flute Quartet and "Fratres" for Violin and Guitar.
Though we often recognize many of the audience members, we did not know this mystery patron.
Our guest appeared to be in his late 60’s or so, and was very sincere. We assured him he could speak. The free concert was well attended. The performance received enthusiastic applause. When the applause ended, we quickly “set the stage” by asking if
anyone from the audience would like to make a comment on the performance. He raised his hand, and we invited him to come up to the front. Our guest told the audience -- and the artists -- that the concert meant so much to him. It lifted his spirits and provided him with an evening where he was transported by the music.
He confided that this was a difficult time for him.
He had happened upon the concert while he was in the middle of receiving treatments at the Huntsman Cancer Institute nearby. He thanked the performers for giving him such a wonderful evening. Needless to say, we were all moved by his comments.
Just
to add a personal note:
This “confession” was especially meaningful to me. Only a few weeks prior to that concert, I had also undergone cancer surgery and could not perform that evening.
The arts do remind us how wonderful it is to be alive.
- Leslie Halow
Leslie is a violist and founder/co-director of the Beethoven Festival Park City. She and her husband, clarinetist Russell Harlow, run the festival and live year round in Park City.
Disclaimer - The purpose of this site is to present matters of public interest in Salt Lake County, including its many
residents, businesses and visitors. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns,
but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum. Once posted, the
County reserves the right to delete submissions that contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any
kind, or offensive comments that target or disparage any ethnic, racial, or religious group. Further, the
County also reserves the right to delete comments that are: (i) spam or include links to other sites; (ii)
clearly off topic; (iii) advocate illegal activity; (iv) promote particular services, products, or political
organizations; or (v) infringe on copyrights or trademarks.
Please note that the comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and position of the Salt
Lake County government, County agency management or County employees. If you have any questions
concerning the operation of this online moderated discussion site, please contact the sponsoring County
agency.