68 Days to the Festival
“They have a PASSION for the arts.” “They have a PASSION for music.”
If you are like me, you often hear the word ‘passion’ associated with arts and music. Why this word? Why not the Webster listed synonyms like love, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, or zeal?
The root of the word ‘passion’ is ‘passio’ or suffering. Though this is an outdated use, more typically associated with the Passion (or suffering) of Christ, it makes more sense as to why ‘passion’ is tied to arts and music over any other.
Starving artists. Suffering for the music. Rags to riches. Ashes to glory.
The most esteemed artistry seems to emerge from the darkest of circumstances. And sometimes, the artist forever personally dwells in that space of oppression only to be glorious on a world stage. In the wake of all the Michael Jackson retrospection, we certainly have an example of the latter. Troubled spirit. Incredible talent.
When you break down the definition, passion is an intense emotion. It can sometimes be mistaken for a vision or a goal. But it is neither. Passion is a way of being - - - An “I can’t help myself’ way of living. Artisans and musicians then take that passion and express it as a work or ‘vision’ for all to see or hear. The ‘goal’ or outcome is that others get to enjoy what was formerly looked inside of them.
The Suffern Music and Arts Festival is bringing the passions of many together into one vision. Hope you are there to experience it.