Our National Treasure

One of the most impressive sights we saw on our East Coast trip last summer was the Washington National Cathedral.  Since we moved to the DC area, we had been watching for an opportunity to take in a musical performance there to see it again and experience its unusual acoustics first hand.

What better opportunity than the annual "Joy of Christmas" concert put on by the Cathedral Choral Society and featuring the Washington Symphonic Brass?

For you history buffs, the idea of having a national cathedral dates back to when George Washington was President, but it actually took over 100 years to get the project off the ground.  The first foundation stone was laid in 1907, and . . . believe it or not . . . it took 89 years to complete!   (Although by cathedral standards, that's actually not that long.)  It holds the distinction of being the longest running construction project in Washington, D.C.  Suffice it to say this limestone cathedral, replete with flying buttresses and an assortment of unusual gargoyles (including Darth Vader), rivals anything you will see in Europe.

"Fun facts" (as Owen is fond of saying):
-  It's the sixth largest cathedral in the world (and the second largest in the United States)
-  The cathedral's great organ has over 10,000 pipes
-  It has 231 stained glass windows
-  Its center tower is 30 stories tall
-  It measures almost two football fields in length

The choir music and brass ensemble were both lovely and festive.  Here's a sample of the Cathedral Choral Society performing at its 2011 Joy of Christmas concert to give you an idea of the sound.  The pictures below share some of the sights.  Definitely go see it if you get the chance.  It's really worth the trip!