FromtheEditor
As Wyndi was preparing Christmas letters this year, she had us both make a list of the top 10 experiences we had this year.
Of course, her saying yes to my wedding proposal topped the list.
Many of the other items related to covering big events and spending time with family and friends.
Two of my favorite moments related to the stage though.
I still count the tickets to the play, “Hadestown,” that Wyndi got me as one of the best gifts I’ver ever received. (It was even worth driving in downtown Dallas traffic!)
The other cultural experience I loved was right her in Erath County as Tarleton hosted the Choral Program, the Cross Timbers Civic Chorale and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in “Gloria! The Charles and Cynthia Rives Masterworks Concert.”
The hour-long program featured favorites like Handel’s “Messiah” and Ave Maria from Bach.
It also featured the world premiere of “Veni, Emmanuel!” from a 30-year-old composer, Zachary Steele, who was in attendance. The applause he received was well-warranted.
I also came to find I really like “Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten.There’s something to be said for live music from people who devote so much time to practicing and perfecting for a performance. It’s great that you can stream any song you want from your phone, but the best headphones pale in comparison to a live orchestra.
Experiences like this are more common in big cities but they can be found locally. If you see one pop up that interests you, don’t let it pass you by.
Paired with a quiet trip to a favorite restaurant, it made an excellent date night and we didn’t even have to get into Dallas traffic.
—Paul Gaudette can be reached at publisher@dublincitizen.com.