Reliable sources inform us that Santa is revving up the engines for the trip down south from his hideout in the North Pole; so the naughty still have the opportunity to be nice until White Christmas arrives in Washington – which for now is nowhere in sight, as folks are jogging in their summer costumes.
The season of miracles, however, has begun with the arrival of Hanukkah. One can see candles lit in the windows almost everywhere. “Elegant, sparkling gold and silvery white colours highlight this year’s National Christmas Tree,” says the National Park Foundation. The First Family led by President Barack Obama lit this tree and, courtesy of broadcasters, the images are all over the web.
A short distance away, the Luxembourg Embassy representing the Grand Duchy held a musical concert – in coordination with the Embassy Series with royal panache in a tradition that is dear to many hearts. Christians, Jews and yes a Muslim sang along as the Dupont Circle Singers Choir. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” they all proclaimed in unison. In anticipation of Santa's arrival soon, the audience was singing “Jingle bells, Jingle bells.”
The Embassy Series Founder, Jerome Barry, delivered a fantastic song in gifted voice. This was all a warm up for the star performer Adrienne Haan, assisted by renowned pianist Richard Danley. Adrienne - who is also a Luxembourg citizen - has been described as “one of the best kept secrets in the world of intellectual solo entertainment.” From the moment she enters the beautifully wood-paneled room of the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington DC, Adrienne has the audience in the palm of her hands. In fact, her entrance on the stage is both naughty and nice in such an exquisite way that Santa could find it compelling to give some gifts from his one-horse sleigh.
It is rumored the devil wears Prada. But, as we only report facts how can it be our concern? We do know, however, that the artist – made up of 100% TNT (the natural talent) - wore red, and Adrienne was on fire. The joys of the audience could be witnessed by the smiling faces each time one of their favorites tunes, like “Blue Skies nothing but blue skies,” “I’m going to live till I die,” and “'Till the end of time,” were performed.
This festive occasion which actually spanned two evenings coincided with the one hundredth birthday of Frank Sinatra – the musical legend. So “Fly me to the moon” was a natural fit which Adrienne delivered with style and beauty.
There is a long history of cordial relations between the United States and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Each event, therefore, at the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington has some historical undertones. For instance, the famous annual Army Navy collegiate football game, which stretches back to 1890, was also played over the same weekend. And retired music lovers from both Army and Navy were in attendance. Their banter was a delightful treasure to witness.
Participants included Anne Howard Tristani – a niece of the late US Vice-President Hubert Humphrey. Some like Herman and Sandi Cole traveled almost a hundred miles from Richmond Virginia to attend the concert. Executives from United Technologies Corporation, which is one of the foundations sponsoring the event, were also in attendance as a show of support for the performing arts. Other sponsors were the Marinus & Minna B. Koster Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Behind each successful project are countless hours of preparation and attention to detail. Every function at the Luxembourg Embassy seems to run like clockwork, under the tireless efforts of Elisabeth Herndler and the staff. In this season of celebrations, the able team under the leadership of H.E. Jean-Louis Wolzfeld assisted by Deputy Chief of Mission Olivier Baldauff brings “joys to the world” – the song for which people of many faiths participated with delight.
Photos by Morris Simon
