A Case For Music

Tonight was one of countless Nutcracker performances taking place across the country. Considering the magnitude of the Connecticut school tragedy today, one might ponder the appropriateness of going to a lavish ballet production when so many are dealing with unimaginable pain.  

But tonight provided a chance for a theater filled almost completely with parents to escape for a few hours. The unique atmosphere created by having live musicians, as opposed to a recording, is something incredibly special and something only live ballet can provide. I think we were able to help transport parents and their kids to a very different world, one literally as far away from reality as possible. If only for an evening, this ballet that depicts fantasy and frills took on an especially important role.  In the midst of the unthinkable, thank goodness for live music.