It's been touching in recent days to see favorite artists respond online to the current health crisis. For example, we thoroughly enjoyed Neil Diamond singing at fireside with his dog, in creative lyrics—"Sweet Caroline" tweaked to  "hands, washing hands"—plus Sheryl Crow and others. Search the web; you'll find some of your favorite entertainers doing what they do best, with casual at-home intimacy. Locals are also on board, from Max Wellman to the B2Wins. Your online search will be rewarding.

ln that spirit, we reached out to Des Moines Symphony conductor Joseph Giunta, asking him what some of his favorite pieces are that the symphony had planned to perform during the rest of the the now-canceled season. Here's what he told us, with links to past performances by other orchestras:

CARL ORFF, "CARMINA BURANA"
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1QtgxaP1T8kENp5FOKptuu
YouTube: https://youtu.be/tOd1CufcMGQ
This is one of the most popular, appealing and challenging pieces in music history, and it’s truly a spectacle to perform. A very large chorus and children's chorus are required to perform this piece—along with a large orchestra! Imagine 13th-century students studying to be monks in a monastery in the Bavarian Alps, who, during their free time, write songs about the anticipation of spring, love, gluttony and drinking. These songs, which numbered more than 1,000, were kept secretly; they were found, anthologized, and published 600 years later. Orff was fascinated with early music and chant; he read these songs and they inspired him to write this very unique and novel piece. The opening chorus, "O Fortuna," became hugely popular for selling after-shave, cars and more—it's even been heard at football games!

SIR EDWARD ELGAR, "POLONIA"
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6chCcOV2cYcPElKS8FwvzB
YouTube: https://youtu.be/H9q8QesSR48
This performance would have been a Des Moines Symphony premiere. During the turbulence of World War I, Elgar was asked to write a piece for the Polish Victims Relief Fund. He dedicated the piece to the great Polish pianist Paderewski and incorporated a theme that the great pianist wrote. It is full of nationalism and majesty and, as always with Elgar's music, superb and engaging orchestration. I always look forward to working on pieces I have never performed, and I eagerly anticipate this performance.

IGOR STRAVINSKY, "THE FIREBIRD SUITE"
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7beJWxvfDuRaJqKgPRu9Bp
YouTube: https://youtu.be/pHxstiIybz4
Stravinsky did for the 20th century what Beethoven did for the 19th century: He changed the way we criticized, listened to, composed and performed music. His genius influenced every composer that followed him. His special gift of complex rhythms, orchestration, and fabulous storytelling techniques make performances of his music eagerly anticipated. The Firebird is one of Stravinsky’s greatest and most popular compositions, and it continues to appeal to audiences and musicians throughout the world. 

Bravo and grazie, Maestro.

As you continue to prep meals at home, using up what’s in your fridge, freezer and pantry while limiting your trips to the store, you might have some cooking and food safety questions. To help, I thought I’d share some sources I’ve trusted in my 25 years of food writing:

• FSIS/USDA: The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service focuses on ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed egg products. I often consult their fact sheets, which answer all kinds of questions, such as what foods can be frozen (see answer) and whether raw or cooked meat can be cooked from its frozen state (see answer, under "Cooking Frozen Foods").

• Ask.USDA.gov: The search window lets you ask food storage and safety questions that might be on your mind, such as "Does all cheese need to be refrigerated?"

• USDA.gov: I’ve been consulting the "Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease" page regarding the safety and ongoing availability of the U.S. food supply. So far, the news is encouraging.

• Cook’s Thesaurus: Though not an official educational/government website, I’ve generally found this to be a good source for food substitution ideas. I particularly like their cheese substitution section. If you’d feel better consulting something more official, university extension websites are a good source. This one from the University of Mississippi is one of the more extensive that I’ve found.

Another site I’ve been turning to lately is the Centers for Disease Control’s Coronavirus FAQ page, which includes some information on food as well as info on how to protect yourself in general.

• One half of the package can serve two diners; heat according to package directions and serve with any ol’ vegetables and a starch (potatoes, at my house). And yes, during these times, mustard counts as a sauce.

• For something more "stretchy," use the second half of the package in this classic Better Homes and Gardens Black Bean Soup, a recipe I’ve made hundreds of times. I generally go with the shortcut version using canned beans. Out of black beans? Just about any kind of soup bean will do: I’ve used garbanzos, navy beans, cannellini beans and great northern beans, sometimes in interesting combinations. Definitely mash some of the beans (as suggested) for a thicker stew. Oh, and this soup freezes well.

No black bean soup I’ve ever had measures up to this recipe, and I think it’s all about the peppery warmth of the dried coriander. I’m not sure I can suggest a perfect substitute for that, but here’s some great news: If you’re out of the ground coriander called for, Allspice now delivers locally. What a great service to local cooks! Find out more on the Allspice Facebook page.

● If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, or if you’re struggling financially due to lost work, call 211 for guidance and resources.

In other nonprofit-related news:
● In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Polk County Health Department this morning announced that the county and community partners will use the Youth Inn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds as a shelter for those experiencing homelessness.
●Oakridge Neighborhood is seeking support to provide food, cleaning products and critical operations for the neighborhood’s 1,100 residents, nearly 90% of whom earn less than $20,000 a year.
●Hy-Vee has announced a goal to raise $1 million to help local food banks restock their shelves during the outbreak.