An Unexpected Pleasure

Today we had a most unexpected pleasure. We recently heard about the series of Lunchtime Concerts at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham, and we pegged the concert today as one we might enjoy. Since I had business to take care of at the main University campus anyway, we decided to make it a family affair and throw in a tour of the Institute's acclaimed art gallery as well.

What we found surpassed our expectations. We were treated to a very fine performance of two sonatas for violin and piano, one Mozart and one Brahms, with a world premier performance of another piece thrown in for good measure. The children did wondrously well through the 50-minute recital (Matthew accomplished his part in this by falling asleep part way through), and afterward we immediately treated ourselves to a well-earned snack. After this break we walked through the gallery, enjoying everything from Rubens to Rembrandt and nativity scenes to moonlit landscapes, as well as a very fine collection of ancient coins. Again, the children were the picture of propriety (except for Matthew jumping off the benches), and they enjoyed the entire event.

All in all, a terrific cultural experience and a perfect family outing. An unexpectedly pleasurable unexpected pleasure.