Last night I had the privilege of being on the receiving end of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) Master Series at the Adelaide Town Hall. Third in the series of four, the audience was gifted the classical splendor of Wagner, Britten and Brahms. With a sense of synchronicity I am becoming interestingly familiar with, I rejoiced in noting that it was only last weekend, that I happened upon a documentary hosted by Stephen Fry, on the Life and Times of Wagner, which served as an exquisite back drop to last night’s symphony.
I decided to treat myself to dinner before the show, somewhere suitable to set the ambience for an evening of quality and adventure. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending nighttime in the city before the ASO concerts, taking in all the sights my eyes can muster and taking photos for the memories. It is not something I do on a regular basis and therefore brings with it a sense of celebration, awe and wonder. In fact, the City of Adelaide at night reminds me of Christmas, with a ritualized visit to Victoria Square to see the magnificence of the lights on the giant Christmas Tree. My inner child was somewhat perplexed last night to see Victoria Square in a state of disrepair (it is presently undergoing a makeover), yet I chose to turn a blind eye to the havoc in the darkness and turned eyes of wonder to the mesmerizing buildings lit with glory and historical presence.
I wandered through the reception area of the Adina Hotel on Franklin Street into the substantial rear courtyard. After spending a moment taking in the beauty of the fountain, I entered the adjoning Treasury Restaurant. I was pleased to find that without advance notice the chef was able to accommodate my vegan and gluten free requests with an offering of shitake mushroom, glazed beetroot and asparagus. I sat in reverence of the quality of my surroundings and the richness of all that has gone before me.
I have always appreciated and been nourished by art, architecture and greatness, yet often times felt uncomfortable, perhaps inadequate in its presence. I have often looked outside of myself for approval, acceptance and direction. Last night, I sat, comfortable in my own skin and grateful for the realization that I was open to receive all it had to offer.
At the end of dinner, as I placed payment for the meal and gratuity inside the black, leather folder, I could hear my Father’s words whispering in my ear, “we act the way we do, not because of who they are, but because of who we are.” Filled with satisfaction and heavenly delight, I practically levitated to the Town Hall to further satiate my soul’s appetite with a musical dessert.
© Patricia Herreen 2013