Hands up!

OK:

do you like ex-convents?

do you like families?

do you like babies?

do you like dogs?

do you like young people?

do you like music?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of the above, you’ve won a set of steak knives.

Oh wait, wrong blog.

Last evening, I spent such a wonderful couple of hours in the ex-Convento of Sant’Elena. By now, you all know where Sant’Elena is, and could find the Church of Sant’Elena and its ex-Convento, if pushed hard enough.

I’d been wanting to get inside this place for a couple of years, and then the opportunity came and tapped me on the shoulder. For several Saturday afternoons, young students from various schools of music would be strutting their stuff for proud parents, grand-parents, siblings and other assorted hangers-on. That’s where the family bit comes in.

Last evening, the students came from the Scuola di Musica Giuseppe Verdi, which is based in Campo San Bartolomeo. Each performer was given an enthusiastic welcome, and an even more rousing round of applause after their performance. The age of the students ranged from about 10 or so, to young adults, and the level of competence also varied.

Oh, the babies. This is Italy, so of course there were babies. One was just in front of me, and boy, did she rock with the music, to the joy and enjoyment of those who were near her.

There was only one dog, but he was banned near the beginning of the concert, because he barked. Maybe it was his personal musical critique? Later, he was allowed back in, and doled out wet kisses to his family. They used varied equipment to dry their faces, tissues and sleeves were the preferred option.

What a joyous experience this was. I hope to go back next week, to listen to and watch more wonderful young people, from another school. They must work so hard to prepare for this nerve wracking event. The young lass with a Grace Jones haircut who sat next to me was about second last to perform, and her tension was palpable. She played the piano, and sang Amazing Grace. She brought tears to my eyes.

PS

The exact location of the mystery hole in the wall is:

While I was looking and taking more photos, a gentleman came along who lived in the Corte. His definite answer when I asked the purpose of the structure was that it was to hold an oil lamp, in days of yore. (Thanks to Daniela, I understood what he said!)

So, I’m satisfied, how about you?