When I first decided to study microbiology in university, I thought it was a sure bet. I didn't have anything too grand on my mind like finding a cure for HIV but the least I could do was to help contribute to curing the common cold. After all, everyone hates being sick, right?
I admit that my studies did not go well but I still had hope. After a few years working, I tried getting into graduate school with public health as my goal. Again, things did not go well and I decided on a change of direction professionally.
With everything I learned in my studies as well as all the work experience I have in various laboratories, I never would have imagined that we would be here. In the midst of a pandemic that has already killed millions yet, everyone thinks is over.
I'm sorry to say this but things are not over and the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to kill and maim 100,000's of people every week. After 4+ years of research, we know that the virus seriously harms the immune system as well as various organs and tissues like the brain, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Repeat infection drive up the likelihood of complications. And while it's true that vaccination cuts down on the both the likelihood of infection and complications, the rate people are getting sick at shows that caution is desperately need.
To make matters worse, much of the information regarding transmission was not communicated to the public. As a result, we have people disinfecting their hands for an airborne virus in hospitals and our cancer clinic allows staff to unmask in their offices despite the open doors.
This insanity is why the arts are needed now more that ever. Unfortunately, artists and those hiring artists for events are subject to the same misinformation as doctors and politicians and are putting everyone at risk. Concert cancelations are now common place and a number of musicians have been caught putting on half-arsed performances due to exhaustion. It's heartbreaking especially since mitigation is simple: clean the air and wear a quality respirator. Easy peasy!
Respirator use is not always the easiest for certain musicians. As a result, I was forced to stop playing the saxophone publicly because it's no longer safe to do so but for many musicians, it's a very small thing to do to protect themselves, their fans, and the musicians who can't due to their instruments. Yes, you CAN sing in a mask and I do so at every lesson.
I wear a mask in public spaces to protect myself, my family, and my community. I also limit my exposure to potential sick people by staying home during high amount of infections. Staying safe certainly makes you a bit of an outcast but that's okay. Our values and ethics define us and if you can't hold to that in difficult times, you were never a good person to begin with.
But enough of the depressing stuff. This 2023-2024 concert season has been wonderful starting with two Vivaldi concerts in the fall. The Four Seasons is an absolute masterpiece so it was wonderful to hear it live again. It was also wonderful to see the incredible art installation at the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra's performance of a twist on Vivaldi. The candlelight concert was pretty impressive was well and I hope that they continue to do more shows in town after this year.
Spring was a great time to rear my head out for concerting again but this time, it was the music of Bach that tempted me out. First up was pianist, Sarah Hagen performing the Goldberg Variations. I've never heard them before and I'm generally not a solo piano fan but I really enjoyed this show. What a beautiful work!
Then is was over to another Spadina church for the 300th year celebration of Bach's Passions which was also an absolutely beautiful work.
I really want to go to more shows. I really want to reconnect with the world but as an immunocompromised person who reads the research, people have made things so difficult. Too many are being left behind and with more and more people joining our ranks due to this unchecked pandemic, I beg of all of you reading this, please be safe!
