30 Classical Guitarists

The sign on Jean-Pierre and Babette’s green grocery store door said 30 classical guitarists, Sunday 18:00 Notre Dame, Free.

Since it was my last day in Argelès before going to Geneva for several months, I had spent the day in my nest writing. I'd nailed a chapter on my new novel and felt good about it.

Almost every day I have taken a long walk, but this was the seventh straight day of the Tramantane. The wind was blowing so hard I suspected that if I lifted my arms in my duvet coat, I would become airborne.

Fortunately my nest is well heated. My girl friend made curtains, quilted on one side, that keeps the heat in or out depending on the season.

At the last minute I grabbed my coat and arrived just as the music started.

The guitarists sat on the altar and ranged from 7 to 17. One little boy and girl looked as cherubic as the angels flying over their head. They wore black shirts and pants, with yellow or red vests. The Catalan flag is red and yellow. Legend has it that a prince of the Middle Ages to revenge his father’s death killed the assassin. He dipped his fingers into the dead man’s blood and drew them across his yellow shield.

The conductor, Michel Rubio, looked like a French music prof should. He was balding on top with the remaining wavy hair touching his collar. He was dressed in a maroon turtle neck shirt.

The church was filled with at least 300 people. Notre Dame was built in the 1300s. Until it was renovated two years ago, the dirt of ages had made it depressing. Entering made me feel as if someone was stealing the air. Now the walls are a light peach, the chandeliers sparkle with light, and the air is out of danger from thieves.

I saw many of my neighors, those I know and those I identify as the man with the Dali mustache, or the woman that looks like a member of the Swiss Government.

Having attended enough beginning concerts while my daughter was learning violin, I questioned the wisdom of coming out on this cold night, but after a few bars, I realised that these young musicians were talented. I shut my eyes and went with the music.