On December 4, 2017, four hundred musicians gathered in the 23rd Street Armory of Philadelphia to perform “Symphony for a Broken Orchestra” by David Lang. It might have been the most diverse orchestra in America, including beginners, experts, and even members of the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. The youngest performer was a nine-year-old cellist, the oldest, an 82-year-old oboist.
The four hundred musicians brought with them broken instruments: a trumpet held together with blue painter’s tape, a violin with no A-string, a bow that had lost most of its hair, a cello carried in multiple pieces. Because of a lack of funding for music programs in public schools, many school instruments fell into disrepair. But Lang made something beautiful of them.
According to the New York Times, when the symphony began, some musicians struggled like a clarinetist who could get out only quick tweaks and a French horn player who kept losing his mouthpiece. As the 40-minute symphony progressed, the instruments roared to life, and together, the orchestra produced rich harmony. The symphony was playful and joyous despite the brokenness of the instruments.
The Greek word for “symphony” is σῠμφωνῐ́ᾱ (symphōnia). Ironically, the New Testament, in its original language, uses the word only once. That one use is found in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:25). The term describes the music and singing from the Father’s party celebrating his son’s return home.
Likely, the most prominent voice in the band of celebration was the once-wayward son, self-aware of his past but reveling in his Father’s grace and forgiveness. Memory recalls his broken life of addiction and indulgence. Yet now, he is delighted that the hogpen’s mud and manure are washed from his hair. He relishes wearing a clean robe with new sandals and a ring on his finger. At that moment, the Father, the servants, and the son’s voices blend in sounds of gratefulness and joy. The only one not singing was the envious, judgmental big brother who was too arrogant to admit his brokenness.
In the church, each believer is a shattered instrument damaged by sin and guilt. But the Father invites us to be a part of His divine score. The best we can do is tap or squeak for some of us, but we still have a place in His symphony. And with each other, this broken orchestra produces a joyful song under the Director’s hand.
A Good Word 