Glory in the Concert Hall
Glory in the Concert Hall
Brian Ferris
The Great Hall was dampened with age but still glimmered with rich beauty. The structure was built by a wealthy man in honor of his late wife whom he loved. The Grand Foyer was surrounded by columns of soft pink Italian marble. Papyrus and lotus flower motifs were hidden within the stonework. Grief and love poured into the volume.
Attendees came in from the winter scene outside. Women were ornated with strings of gold, diamonds, and their best perfumes. Men were warm in their heavy sweaters and long socks.
The orchestra played music that glorified the birth of the Son of the Living God. The choir sang anthems of "Hallelujah" and songs of adoration rang through the Hall. The strings and voices hummed with a Holy sound.
Midway through the performance, I noticed a stern man playing the violin whose lips were tightly sealed and frowned to the sides of his jaw. He stared off in between pieces as the chummy director told the same jokes that he had quipped the previous night. The audience laughed, of course. Other orchestra members grinned appropriately.
They concluded with a delicate performance of Silent Night. The final note clung to the golden ceiling for a moment then faded into the walls leaving behind a heavenly resonance.
My mother wept afterward. The violinist was finally able to go home.
Brian Ferris
Actor & Painter
Brian is an actor, artist, and marketing professional in Pittsburgh, PA. He has been published in The Echo and received the honor of Best Student Written Work 2019 by the Grove City College Theatre Honorary. You can find Brian's art and writings on Instagram (@brianferrisartwork).
Photography by Sonder Quest