Spring time is when the earth awakens anew. With all the wonders of nature—birds singing, colors emerging, the promise of warm weather—all raise our spirits. “Awakening” is our theme for April and the word suggests both looking back as in a revival of interest in something, and looking ahead as in coming into awareness of something new. “Awakening” is what we are doing right now as we evaluate our vision for our community at First Parish and explore our own involvement in the life of the church. It is an exciting time, with the annual meeting on April 24th, the vote for the 8th Principle, and the gratitude we have in having our new, settled minister, Rev. Sophia.
Musically, I love to look back at old favorites. I love to hear the classic jazz album from Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. While it speaks to something laid-back, it affirms for me the wonders of jazz musicians. If you have never heard it, now is your chance!
Last week, our post-postlude was a unique piece of Classical music written by the Finnish composer, Rautavaara, called Cantus Articus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra. We played the middle movement called, Melancholy, and in case you missed it or want to hear it again, you can have a listen.
Charmian forwarded something inspirational and beautiful that I would like to share in the spirit of Awakening. It is an anthem written recently and conducted by the great composer, John Rutter. It is a prayer for Ukraine sung by a 300-piece choir. It will be our post-postlude for the April 10th service.
Let us Awaken together in all the ways that affirm our spiritual lives.
Music coming in April:
April 12th: Vespers this month will have guitar players and singers: Michael Collins, Jean Gauthier, Izzy Tappan deFrees, and Lynn Bratley.
April 17th: Our choir is singing on Easter Sunday: When Jesus Wept by William Billings and an anthem, At The River, which is an arrangement by Aaron Copland of Shall We Gather at the River.
April 24th: This is the service created by the Green Sanctuary committee. It will feature an improvisation by John Buchanan and our choir will sing Down to the River to Pray.
Charlyn Bethell
Charlyn’s professional training has followed two paths: as a professional oboist and as a music teacher and conductor. As Music Director at First Parish, she joins these two paths of her musical life, conducting the choir, coordinating guest musicians, and performing on oboe.