The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced it will travel to four European cities, Berlin, Switzerland, Paris and London in September, 2012.
Supported by loyal subscribers, an innovative Music Director, accomplished musicians, prudent management and a committed Board, the Orchestra is one of few in the country that is in the black. The expenses of the four-day tour will be paid for by dedicated funds raised through the effort of the Orchestra's former chairman of the Board, Virginia Weldon, and Monsanto Co., and other anonymous donors.
At a recent concert of the Orchestra I heard Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 and Sibelius En saga, op.36. The music carried with it magnificent images of desire, failings, sadness and joy. Music talks to us about human experience in a universally understood language which is in itself another Gateway to overcoming differences.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
THE ARTS: GATEWAY TO THE WORLD?
In September, the Pulitzer Foundation of the Arts presented "Reflections of the Buddha." Figures, paintings and delicate wall hangings from private and public collections were exhibited in the Pulitzer's magnificent museum. The exhibition was an example of faith, culture and ceremony dating from the second to the eighteenth century.
One month later from France, The St. Louis Art Museum brought together a delicate exhibition of the works of Claude Monet featuring a large scale triptych of the artist's "Water Lilies." Other works seemed to carry the bright sunshine of Monet's beloved gardens at Giverny even on cloudy St. Louis days.
Around December, "Icons in Transformation," a solo exhibit of nearly 150 works by Ludmila Pawlowska was shown at Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest Episcopal Church West of the Mississippi. Traditional Russian style Icons, also on display, were the inspirational source for the artist's own mixed technique Icons. Fabrics, metals and wood were used to inspire self-reflection.
As 2012 got underway, children displayed contemplative illustrations of their understanding of Martin Luther's famous "I have a dream" speech at the Jewish Community Center. These events reminded me that the arts provide us with gateways to better understand ourselves, others, and the world.
One month later from France, The St. Louis Art Museum brought together a delicate exhibition of the works of Claude Monet featuring a large scale triptych of the artist's "Water Lilies." Other works seemed to carry the bright sunshine of Monet's beloved gardens at Giverny even on cloudy St. Louis days.
Around December, "Icons in Transformation," a solo exhibit of nearly 150 works by Ludmila Pawlowska was shown at Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest Episcopal Church West of the Mississippi. Traditional Russian style Icons, also on display, were the inspirational source for the artist's own mixed technique Icons. Fabrics, metals and wood were used to inspire self-reflection.
As 2012 got underway, children displayed contemplative illustrations of their understanding of Martin Luther's famous "I have a dream" speech at the Jewish Community Center. These events reminded me that the arts provide us with gateways to better understand ourselves, others, and the world.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
SURVIVING CHANGES IN BUSINESS
Recently, I came across a relatively small business established 98 years ago by an immigrant who came to this country from the Ukraine. When he arrived here he sold pots and pans from a horse and buggy. From this humble beginning he was able to establish a manufacturing business which is still operating. He retired in 1987 when he lost a leg to diabetes.
Through the years the business has provided for four generations of families and their descendants. There have been prosperous and lean years. Products have been changed to meet new trends and global competition. The CEO, a grandson who works with his father and grandfather, attributes the ability to survive by "Remaining small so we can move quickly. When the market changed we were able to meet our market's changing needs quickly."
As I listened to this family's story to build upon the skills and ethics of their ancestors, I thought of the many businesses and institutions which fail by loosing sight of both the skills and changes needed to survive in rapidly changing times.
Through the years the business has provided for four generations of families and their descendants. There have been prosperous and lean years. Products have been changed to meet new trends and global competition. The CEO, a grandson who works with his father and grandfather, attributes the ability to survive by "Remaining small so we can move quickly. When the market changed we were able to meet our market's changing needs quickly."
As I listened to this family's story to build upon the skills and ethics of their ancestors, I thought of the many businesses and institutions which fail by loosing sight of both the skills and changes needed to survive in rapidly changing times.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
SEEKING PLEASURE AND STABILITY?
As 2012 gets underway the weather here in St. Louis, as elsewhere across the country has been as volatile as the political seesaw we are on. Almost makes one wonder, what has gotten into all of us and when will we see some stability, human and weather-wise that gives us pleasure?
I found my answer recently as I sat in my car waiting for the red light to change. A bright yellow something darted in front of me. At first I thought it was a butterfly even though it was January. Then I realized it was a wild sparrow or a golden breasted waxbill that had escaped its cage. At the same time I noticed a young child happily skipping along as she held the hand of the woman next to her.
Both the skipping child and the tiny bird represented for me a pleasant oasis in the midst of the unsettling time in which we live, and the many simple pleasures we can find if we but look for them.
I found my answer recently as I sat in my car waiting for the red light to change. A bright yellow something darted in front of me. At first I thought it was a butterfly even though it was January. Then I realized it was a wild sparrow or a golden breasted waxbill that had escaped its cage. At the same time I noticed a young child happily skipping along as she held the hand of the woman next to her.
Both the skipping child and the tiny bird represented for me a pleasant oasis in the midst of the unsettling time in which we live, and the many simple pleasures we can find if we but look for them.
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