“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” (Plato)

 

From my apartment on the 33rd floor, which I dubbed “the perch,” I had a great view of the city. It was a run-walk through the park to the Art Institute and the Fine Arts Theater for a Saturday afternoon respite – following a week of intense and very full work days. I always returned feeling refreshed, as though it had been a “vacation” of sorts.

Grant Park and Chicago Skyline at night

As a 35-year monthly subscriber to The Chicago Symphony, I was so very fortunate to be in such close proximity to, arguably, the world’s leading symphony.

Symphony Center was easily-accessed through the park or via a quick taxi –  until moving to the ranch. I continued, however, to meet up with symphony friends for a pre-concert dinner and a CSO performance on a monthly basis. By that time, it was, of course, a far greater challenge to get back to my apartment for 24 hours. But this was an outing which I continued until Mother’s final year – at which time, the challenge to get away for even a brief respite became … well, just too great.

Throughout the years, the performance of Handel’s Messiah  had been a strong tradition. Selected by audition, I was a member of The Chicago Chamber Choir in the 70’s and The Apollo Chorus of Chicago in the 80’s – two groups with whom I performed The Messiah – the Apollo performance being in Symphony Hall.

With a friend, I also joined an annual event – the “Do-It-Yourself” Messiah  performance when the entire auditorium of Symphony Center was filled with other DIYer’s, with Margaret Hillis conducting.

During ranch years, we continued to celebrate the days leading up to Christmas with repeated CD renditions of The Messiah.  It was well-embedded in my memory as a child how Mother had joyfully stood, joining in the singing of “The Hallelujah Chorus” whenever the opportunity presented.

And so it was – that she continued to demonstrate her love for this music by moving her arms as though still directing the performance – while seated in her wheelchair.

Here are some “hallelujah moments” – 1.49 min – performed by The Symphony Chorus.

 

Author: Susan Troyer