A Classical Evening in May...A Norcross First

As a child growing up in Barbados, everyday at 1 p.m. the island stopped for classical music programs hosted by Dame Olga Lopes-Seale and Doris Provencal that were broadcasted on both wired and wireless radio stations.  These visionaries saw that the arts was an instrumental part of education and worked to ensure that every child had an opportunity to take part in some form of art.  Students crowded around the radios in the music rooms, adults stopped at the neighbor who had the luxury of having a radio.

On Sunday May 15, I was transported back to the good old days when the first performers took the stage at “A Classical Evening” in May.  As a Board member of the Norcross Arts Alliance it did my heart proud when I heard and received comments coming from the audience and fellow Board members.

The following note was sent by Lori Sturgess - “Something quite extraordinary is happening in Norcross.  A select and very fortunate group of neighbors experienced the talents of six amazing artists singing, playing and exhibiting craftsmanship and artistic brilliance that any metropolitan city would have been proud to claim.  But this was Norcross, sleepy little Norcross.  Bravo! To the Norcross Arts Alliance and especially David Duke, the Programs Chairman, for creating an amazing experience for those in attendance.  This was quite an act to follow and I for one can’t wait to see what is next.”

It’s not much but certainly expresses how it made me feel.  Being a visual artist, I have always wondered why visual arts have never really captivated the hearts and souls of people like music and dance and theatre have…while listening to the violinist John Cooper it came to me: It’s about time.  With visual art, the work is typically taken in with a glance, a moment or at best a few minutes--and the reaction is processed immediately. Other art forms are experienced over time, minutes mostly but some take much longer. It can, I suppose, work its way into your heart, mind and soul to a much greater level. I am a little jealous and will now have to think of ways to stretch the visual experience of my art- hmmm…stay tuned!

The comment that took my breath away came from fellow board member John Heald, “I was expecting a nice small town talent event and found myself in a $150 orchestra seat at the concert.  What a glorious experience.”

If you weren’t there, you missed a special event that was both entertaining and enlightening.  Be sure to watch for the next Artists Showcase sponsored by the NAA!