2010:365:19 The Black Box

The Demesne Quartet: Rachel Thompson (soprano) Brendan Popplestone (guitar), Andrea Rea (violin/viola) and Fergus Fitzpatrick (cello) were performing in The Black Box today in the "Out to Lunch" Arts Festival at the Cathedral Quarter.  Photographs from inside weren't wonderful... I didn't want to use flash... but maybe the three that I've chosen will give you a look at one of the newest groups in Belfast.  Let's hope they receive many more bookings.  Today's event was an hour concert plus a hot lunch for £5.  Where would you get such good value?  The Black Box was packed out as it has been for all the other events.

From Bach to Bacharach with music from Purcell, Copland, Gershwin and many others.  Classics from across the centuries gave the enthusiastic audience a great concert!

I find it hard to be in the Cathedral Quarter and not take yet another photograph of Saint Anne's.  This time the snow has gone and coming from The Black Box you see another angle.  The needle/spire/spike ... whatever ... is beginning to "grow on me" as I have viewed it from different points.  Seeing it a few weeks ago from the Belfast Wheel made me appreciate that it is a landmark.  Perhaps not one I'd have chosen - but it is certainly impressive.

There are some very interesting streets and signs around this area - places I'd not noticed before...   and signs that make you smile!  We live in a beautiful city and sometimes rush around and miss the detail. The doorway into The Black Box has a lovely carved head.  The photograph that amuses me most from today's collection is the "Imbibing Emporium"!  But take your pick!

Almighty and everlasting God:Increase in us your gift of faiththat, forsaking what lies behind,we may run the way of your commandmentsand win the crown of everlasting joy;through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.