• Statement on the fire at Notre Dame

    The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral is a tragedy not only for Paris and the people of France but for the world.

    Those who know the building will be unable to see the pictures of the fire without feeling heartbroken.

    So many different things that make up the building are priceless – the medieval roof, the woodwork, the organ, the stained glass, the relics. But this tragedy is more than the loss of them all. It is the loss of the heart of Paris, the loss of a place of pilgrimage and the loss of a place of romance.

    Every day this week, Christians will be reflecting on the heartbreak of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to whom Notre Dame was dedicated. Every day as we do so, we will be praying for the Paris its people as they face their own heartbreak.

    Notre Dame means Our Lady. Notre Dame doesn’t just belong to Paris, it belongs to us all.

    This was a building that is utterly associated with Paris. But it was an utterly priceless treasure for the world.

    It was truly ours, and this tragedy is our tragedy.

    Our Lady of Paris, pray for us and for all affected locally.

    Our Lady of Paris, we pray for you.

One response to “Review: Orfeo ed Euridice, Scottish Opera”

  1. Alison Clark Avatar
    Alison Clark

    I agree about the orchestra – competent enough but too large I thought. But I loved Caitlin Hulcup’s Orfeo. I saw the production at the Sunday matinee and passion there was a-plenty. ‘Che faro’ delivered from lying to kneeling to standing was just wonderful. So much so that I struggled with the swift transition from tragedy to happy ending, made more acute by Amor – if Grace Kelly, then a rather louche version!
    I did enjoy it but your review made me realise what was unsatisfying for me. The ‘Mad Men’ 50s theme (seems to be a current choice for designers) was at odds with what is quite a profound myth. It was fun but that’s not what I go to Orfeo for. Maybe i need to lighten up!
    As to the ‘steampunk party’, it was the underworld surely – but if Hades is that camp, then it might be quite fun. Loved your description of the lime green nuns!

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