During this time of need for racial healing and other kinds of healing, the words of 19th century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow might be appropriate.

        Mr. Longfellow said: “Music is the universal language of mankind.”

        Well, at least one 21st century gentleman believes that also. David A. Klingshirn, president of the Cathedral Society at St. Peter in Chains, said music is the same in any language.

        To start the healing process, Mr. Klingshirn is urging peopleto attend the St. Peter in Chains concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains, 8th and Plum streets downtown, featuring the New England Spiritual Ensemble.

        “This is such a remarkable group to bring here,” he said. “This will be their first time in Cincinnati. ... This is one way to help our city's racial problems. I think healing has to start in the home and in the church.”

        The ensemble is a group of conservatory-trained professional singers who present a concert of traditional American Negro spirituals.

        They are heard nationally on CBS Sunday Morning and on NPR's Performance Today.

        “I just think this could be the beginning of harmony that can last into April. What better place than the church. You can't fool God,” Mr. Klingshirn said.

        In six years, the St. Peter in Chains Cathedral Concerts have presented concerts of local and nationally renowned vocal and instrumental ensembles, such as Chanticleer, the American Boys Choir, the Waverly Consort, Musica Antiqua Koln, the Anonymous 4 and Tallis Scholars.

        “St. Peter in Chains Cathedral is a unique and exceptional place in which to perform and listen to music that was, in many instances, composed not for a concert hall, but for a church setting. Its acoustics are alive, and greatly enhance vocal and instrumental sound. Its beauty complements the music,” Mr. Klingshirn said.

        The Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will extend its CPR training to four Saturdays during March. Jane Wiehe, first aid CPR coordinator, said they are trying to reach adults who had a conflict with the one Saturday date.

        Morning training sessions will be offered March 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The classes will be in several locations; Holiday Inn, Sharonville; Immanuel United Methodist Church, Lakeside Park, Fort Mitchell, and at the Cincinnati Chapter Red Cross Building, 720 Sycamore St. downtown.

        The training will include response to breathing and cardiac emergencies in victims age 9 and older.

        It includes rescue breathing, first aid for choking, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Call 792-4000.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.
       

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