If music is indeed food for the soul, then more people need to skip dining in a restaurant and come to the Bach’s Lunch Lenten series of concerts at Holy Cross. True, “local talent” is on display there, but what we hear is more than a cut above the usual for that genre. A Los Angeles music critic once mused something to the effect of “pretty good for Local Talent” in writing about a concert by Jascha Heifetz, Artur Rubinstein and Gregor Piatigorsky, arguably the leading virtuosos of the fifties, all working out of their homes in Hollywood.

I go to enjoy, listening for the wonderful turns of phrase by soloists or remarkable togetherness displayed in ensemble work, the many small touches that distinguish the playing of thoughtful musicians. I got an ear-full and a soul-full today with the playing of Schumann’s Piano Quartet Op. 47 by four such musicians who live among us here. A standing ovation accompanying thunderous applause was our way of thanking them for sharing their talent with us.

Right now there are also two visual treats in addition to the aural ones: the long hallway has a collection of Eleanor Rogers’ hat and matching purse creations, and Jim Shackleford’s colorful paintings celebrating Creation in terms of light. I hope you will want to come to see and hear for yourself. You will be very glad you did—promise!

~ Garland Goodwin, Columbus, N.C.