Dear Editor:
On Thursday, December 22, I had the opportunity to attend Madison-Morgan Cultural Center’s 44th annual Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert held at the Cultural Center’s auditorium.
The capacity audience seemed especially eager to enjoy the program, perhaps because it was being held just three days before Christmas. Or perhaps their energy was due, in part, to Conductor William R. Langley making his debut at MMCC and that his program bio included a review noting he “conducts with considerable theatricality.”
Regardless, the palpable cheeriness representative of the Christmas spirit may have contributed to the opening remarks by Board of Trustees Chairman David Burbach being brief: a simple welcome, an acknowledgment of various center supporters, and good wishes throughout the holidays.
Yet by intermission, in spite of having been plied with classic melodies from “The Nutcracker” and reminiscences of old-fashioned “White Christmas”, I realized that I was somewhat preoccupied. My thoughts were that, contrary to tradition, the Cultural Center’s Executive Director had not taken the stage to kick off the program. Nevertheless, contributing factors understandably remain a private matter.
My sentiment is that the Christmas spirit is about more than merriment. It’s reflected in selflessness and generosity. It’s about demonstrating kindness and consideration towards others through both verbal and mental attitudes.
I personally regret that Melissa Klein was not recognized for her good intentions and effort over the past year and a half of service to this community. So with this writing, I offer her a heartfelt thank you, goodbye, and best wishes in future endeavors.
Peter Wibell, Rutledge