A different kind of presentation

Last night, at the party for Tommy, there was an unexpected surprise.  About 30 of the children from the nearby Ukrainian parish paraded into the hall dressed in traditional clothing, and proceeded to offer their gift to the honored guest (and to the rest of the gathered assembly).  A mixture of music and various dances from children as young as 4 years and as old as 16 was a welcome treat.  When the performances were complete, one of the children even walked over to Tommy and led him by the hand to another room where he was invited to take pictures with the troupe in all their finery.  They could never have offered a more suitable gift than to allow him to see children enjoying the privilege of being children!

Tonight, in a very different place, I was privileged to be present for a very different musical treat.  As it happens, the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra was playing its most recent concert tonight, accompanied by the well known fiddler Pierre Schryer and his band.  Last night's music was Ukrainian in flavor but tonight's offering was definitely Celtic.  What a different mixture of music though for the Symphony members to play.  Cudos to them for this major leap away from the familiar and for the courage to enter a genre of music seldom seen on a classical stage.

Here's a sample of the music of Pierre Schryer.  A native of Sault Ste. Marie who is now living in Thunder Bay, he is widely travelled and has multiple recordings.  The picture isn't as important in this case as the lively music.