Ode to Joy

There is no need to tire my fingers by outlining all the many talents Lana has. This post focuses on the fruits of just one of her many activities. Several months ago Lana joined the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. As there were no open spots on clarinet, she went for cello, an instrument she's rarely played since high school.

(I know, wouldn't it be handy to have a repertoire of instruments to choose from when deciding to join a musical group? The girls wanted her to play flute.)

At first the music was daunting, but with diligent practice, she 'made the cut' and was welcomed into the fold. As a side note, the kid she sits next to in the cello section is the same boy I stand next to in one of the Cathedral choirs.

July 3rd marked the 20th anniversary of the Orchestra, and the keynote number performed was Beethoven's 9th Symphony complete with soloists and choir, all within the awesome setting of Peterborough Cathedral.

Lana raised many eyebrows as she sold over a dozen tickets-apparently a high number for any single person to sell. Oddly, her fellow instrument players were surprised she knew enough people to sell that many tickets. We can only assume they thought as Americans we would somehow be averse to 'talking to strangers' and making friends while here. Of course, Lana makes all our family friends and I am lucky enough to hang on to her coattails and pretend I am friendly too.

Below are pictures from the performance on July 3. It was an amazing experience for her, me and the other hundreds of people there (seemed like nearly a full house). If you get a chance the next concert features selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals on 18th September at the Cresset.

You can just see her at the far right of the pictures.