Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,Outre-Mer
Music brings people together. It can break through barriers of all kinds – linguistic, political, ideological – and can provide an inroad to communication and understanding.
The power of music to overcome human obstacles is evident in one of my favourite stories for this season, the 1914 Christmas Eve truce, when during WW1, soldiers from both sides of the offensive put down their weapons and came together singing Silent Night.
Throughout history, and around the world, some of the most beautiful and amazing music has been written to celebrate the things that we are most passionate about. The important events in our lives are marked with the sharing of that music.
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius
My favourite childhood memories are about the times when I had the opportunity to make music together with family and friends. Christmas Eve was particularly special. My Grandmother, a great lover of music, would insist that we “sing for our supper”, and my entire extended family would gather around with their instruments and voices. We made a joyful noise, and every once in a while, it may even have been beautiful.
It is our sincere wish this holiday season that you have the opportunity to create lasting memories by sharing the joy of music with the people you love.