Reflection, as life moves on . . .

A week and a half later, we've all put our bags away and done our laundry, to be sure; and photos and stories continue to be shared and enjoyed in many various gatherings. I have been touched to learn how many toured with us 'virtually,' and this has been a very special delight, as we share what has truly been an experience by which we've all been changed. The experience feels joyfully public; indeed, one that belongs to all who carry it within their heart to be moved by music; . . . by beauty.

While our musical travels were 'everything' to 48 of us for eleven magical days, they comprise but one small contribution to a grander vision of what lifts all who so chose to an elevated level of human consciousness. May the 'magic' live on. May the number increase.

In this, blessings continue to abound.

Where goes the impact?

A traveling family member reflects on tour's 'impact'

A note to the Schola Cantorum on Hudson singers:

Three days after landing back in the US and I still desire another walk up a hill to a cathedral to listen to the music of the Schola Cantorum on Hudson. What a magnificent venture for you and the shadow tour group. It was "Glorious" to hear individually perfected voices together as a choir in every concert culminating at the high mass at the Dom in Salzburg . I believe every ear that heard you was spiritually stimulated – wherever they were from or whatever language they spoke or understood.

I was grateful to be able to join you, not only for the music but for your company as well. Sincerely, you graced Austria and the Czech Republic not only with your instruments but what's more as American Ambassadors.

First day 'after;' from the Artistic Director

Touring Schola members arrived back at JFK on schedule at 2:30 PM EST yesterday, Tuesday, 19 August.  No one was complaining while waiting for our pre-paid transportation service to arrive; indeed, no one seemed anxious to disperse.  While I cannot speak to what took place with the other four vans, I do know that a bit of dinner was shared by some from the two Essex County vans, after which was uttered, "Where is everyone?"

In no way diminishing our collective gratitude for safe return, or for the many blessings of home, there is no doubt that the experience of sharing art with new international audiences, while growing together as we traveled, has proven to be an experience by which we have all been changed.  Lively pre-dawn e-activity among our jet-lagged traveling family this morning brings to mind the Old Testament passage (also seen posted on a church nursery door some years ago) which reads:  "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed."  Changed, indeed!

Yet, is this not rather the point?  When our brilliant Chairman (and equally brilliant tenor!), Salvatore Diana, first created our interactive blog, he did so with the expansive intent that it provide a "forum for everyone who . . . has thoughts to express about the role of arts organizations, both locally and globally."  And when Schola's visionary Board of Directors updated and filled out our mission statement one year ago, it included the lofty notion of "global cultural impact."  Even given all of that, I don't believe that any of us could have predicted the impact this tour would have.  --and the ripples are just beginning to be seen.

On a most finite level, we, as artists, grew enormously through our ten days of rehearsing and performing together.  Our five exciting performances were met with full and enthusiastic audiences, communication in no way impeded by language barriers.  One audience member followed us from Chesky Krumlov to hear us again in Prague--and was surprised and delighted to find a different concert than she had first heard!  (Our repertoire was different in each venue visited, decisions regarding which were made upon arrival, once the space had 'spoken' to us.)  Encore selections were demanded.  Many post-concert sentiments were exchanged.  People were very clearly moved.  

In addition to the performances themselves, and the attendant usually-one-hour sound-checks in each venue prior to performance, we rehearsed approximately ten hours while away.  This is rehearsal intensity that conductors usually only dream of, and the results have been enormously gratifying.  Our marvelous tour guide, Ondrej Strejcek (), was good natured about arranging rehearsal spots as we traveled, none of which had been part of the tour company's plan for us.  (Perhaps we are unusual in rehearsing while traveling.)

I couldn't begin to recount all of the interactions enjoyed following concerts with audience members from around the world.  Some of these have been shared in the blog contributions typed into the computers passed around on the bus as we traveled, uploaded to the blog each evening in the lobby where we enjoyed wifi access.  Scroll down, and you'll find them.

The 'performing' experience which was the culmination of all of our activities--indeed, the one around which our entire tour was formed!--was our last:  10:00 AM Sunday Mass at the Salzberger Dom.  All of our performing venues were stunning.  The Dom was by far the largest among them.  It was there that we met the gracious Herr Professor Kappellmeister Janos Cifra.  It was there that we rehearsed the full European Premiere Mass with composer Randall Svane and Kappellmeister Cifra in attendance.  It was there that we met our greatest musical challenge in the stunning and densely dramatic eight-part Latin a cappella Mass setting by New Jersey composer Svane.  It was there that we felt the power of our 32 voices fill the space that held well over a thousand worshippers from around the world, in Salzburg for the most active weekend of the world-renowned Salzburg Music Festival.  

A conductor knows that eye contact with one individual musician somehow magically communicates with all.  In the same way, it is our collective belief that the impact of this artistic experience--on our esteemed composer, who was at one point struggling for utterance, for the heightened emotion of the experience; upon us, for whom the experience approached the surreal--became one which was also somehow magically shared on a high level with the large international collection of individuals in attendance on Sunday.  Many approached us afterwards to say as much--in many different languages.

Although we may not yet quite have a handle on "that pesky world peace problem" (Yes, we do talk about it!), we know that "Great works of art, music and architecture . . . can transport us temporarily to higher levels of consciousness . . . " (David Hawkins, Power vs. Force, p. 74).  And, in being part of what brings such spiritual 'transportation' into our own lives and those of others, we know that we are part of something much larger than ourselves and permanent beyond our own lives . . . indeed, something with major--dare we even say 'global'--impact.

So, welcome home, my beloved singers.  Sleep well tonight.  Tomorrow is a new day which brings new opportunity for impact, which will require the intense focus of all of us.  

All here on the bus?  It takes the whole singing village; right, Carter?  Patrice, take it away with the count-off!

With love for all of the SCH 'Ambassadors;'

And with admiration and gratitude for all committed to profound impact! 

Deborah Simpkin King, PhD

Founding Artistic Director

Schola Cantorum on Hudson

www.ScholaOnHudson.org

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jog

Well, it took 8 hours to fly across most of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean, and 4 hours to get from JFK to Manhattan! LOL

What an amazing experience this has been for me. My thoughts are a complete jumble, as are the specifics of the trips. Venues and cities tend to meld into single synchronistic mental pictures. I'm hoping that as I sort through the 600 some odd pictures I took it will begin to jell.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous when I left my house 11 days ago to go on a tour with 40 people I really didn't know. (Most people don't believe this, but my close friends know, I'm basically a functional introvert when put in social situations!) But this group is amazing! I have made some amazing friends over the past days and I truly cherish them and the memories we have made together.

So here's a question I'll put out to the touring group... what was your favorite city and why?

So long, farwell...

The group is at the tail end of the trip now, sitting here at Gate A7 in Vienna Airport. Everyone expresses mixed emotions: on the one hand, ready to be home and see friends and loved ones and on the other, tinged with sadness that this wonderful experience is coming to a close. The emotions that are undoubtedly consistent, however, a profound sense of accomplishment for the significant milestone that this represents and immense gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that this has afforded everyone.

We are so thankful to everyone who helped make this possible:

• Deborah, for her unfailing leadership and indefatigable spirit
• Rachel for her keen organizational skills and being able to juggle different shaped objects simultaneously while riding a unicycle (it's the only visual I can conjure to evoke the complexity of coordinating these details
• The entire Board for the incomparable support and guidance
• The artists for their talent, enthusiasm, and flexibility
• Our tour scholarship fund angels for making this trip possible and affording opportunities to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Auf wiedersehen. Next stop: home.

Sal

adding our voices...

One more memory of today--Patrice Sokolowski and I were walking back from the Mozart house in Vienna and she said something I really liked...basically:  "When we sang in the Dom in Salzburg, it was like we were adding our voices to all the other voices who have sung there before us through the centuries.  Our voices are now just another layer to the spirit there."  So well put!

Last night in Vienna

From Marlene

Music is the connection…My favorite song sung by our group is Sing Me to Heaven.

In my heart's sequestered chambers lie truths stripped of poets gloss.
Words alone are vain and vacant and my heart is mute.
In response to aching silence memory summons half-heard voices,
And my soul finds primal eloquence and wraps me in song, wraps me in song.
If you would comfort me, sing me a lullaby.
If you would win my heart, sing me a love song.
If you would mourn me, bring me to G-d, sing me a requiem, sing me to heaven.

This trip will always remain close to my heart, close to my soul, having brought me closer to heaven. Thank you Randall Svane, Dr. King...and my fellow Schola members...

Last Day in Vienna

So--I stepped off the bus, intent on going to see one of the art museums during our final two hours in Vienna.  But--luckily for me, two other Schola members asked me what I was doing and said they were going to the Mozart House--the place where Mozart lived for only a few years--but, some very productive years.  It hadn't occurred to me to go--but, I suddenly realized I could see art anywhere--this was Mozart's city.  I walked with them to the house.  And what a wonderful decision it was.  It was a very COMPLETE exhibit--educating me--a sort of music history novice--on the major events, people, ideas and music of Mozart's life.  There was something about walking through the room so that apartment that made Mozart's perspective come alive.  I looked out the window and could see what Mozart saw!  The other thing I took away from this was that Mozart was a freelancer during this period!  Even such a well-known artist made his way on his own terms--this was a very encouraging concept to learn.  I think this is because often I struggle with wanting to make enough money to support my self but also to live a life devoted to art--writing and photography.  It is always the struggle--since the 18th century--I as a 21rst Century person should not feel alone in this struggle to live an artistic life while also trying to make money.  As Randall Svane said to me at lunch the other day--it's really about the fight--about putting in the time--showing up to make art--whatever your milieu is--that's what it is about--and, it really is what the artistic quest is about.  People in this group show this--everyone seems to have a passionate hobby outside of work--some music--some other pursuits.  This tour enriches my knowledge of how the life of an artist might be lived because of all of the chances we have had to talk talk talk and share impressions on everything ranging from music to art to beer to politics to how to make art a part of one's life.   

From the bus on the way back to Vienna

“All things are mine since truth I’ve found…” Singing here has been pure joy, bridging all language and culture, joining hearts and spirits in song. ”How can I keep from singing.”

Maureen Dowdell, alto


Bitter For Sweet

One of the songs in our repertoire, “Bitter for Sweet”, walks us through the changes of seasons. Through song we say goodbye to each season and welcome the next. Just after we’ve settled into the season and become comfortable, we have to say goodbye and move on.

In another song, “There Will Be Rest,” using a text from Sara Teasdale, we journey through her profound sadness as she searches for a sense of inner peace and rest. She speaks of finding the crystal of peace – that kernel of hope to which she can cling.

Yesterday we officially finished our performance tour by singing Randall Svane’s Festal Mass at the Dom in Salzburg. And how bitter for sweet that was. The sadness of ending our tour, mixed with tired bodies and minds (not to mention feet!) was tempered time and again as our voices echoed through the massive cathedral.

From the simple petition of the Kyrie, to the triumphal glory and faith of the Gloria and Creed, to the peace and joy of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei – our own souls were lifted out of our sadness to a heavenly peace.

Today we journeyed from bitter to sweet. We have found our own crystal of peace.

Andrew Jones, tenor


Ite, Missa Est
So, now…it’s all done. We’ve sung four concerts, and then Svane’s Festal Mass at St. Rupert’s Dom in Salzburg, and now we’re on our way back from Salzburg to Vienna…watching The Sound of Music, on the bus, of all things.
There really are no words adequate to describe the experience of singing the Mass in the context of a worship service – in another language altogether and yet so familiar that at times I had the sense of the whole communion of saints gathered into one Kingdom of peace.
Afterward as we retired to the sacristy, I found myself quietly weeping – again for joy, for love, for sadness that it’s all over. And then the Kapellmeister came in, and handed a box of Mozartkugeln to Deborah (a long, narrow box he pantomimed conducting with), and a small square box to Mr. Svane, and then one piece each to every choir member, thanking us each individually.
And then lunch out, and a long relaxing ride in the country to see the Salzkammergut, and then back into town for dinner, and then out to the hotel for a bit of a party and some sleep – all gently blessed by the beautiful music we have had the privilege of making with one another these last ten days.

Karen Lea Siegel, soprano


Well, we finally did it! We performed the much-awaited Svane Mass in the Dom of Salzburg. The evening before our performance was a two-hour rehearsal in the Dom itself from 8-10 pm. I have to say; being in that cathedral at that hour in the evening was quite beautiful. The light was dim and the paintings on the ceiling and the scrollwork up and down the walls was aglow. We sang and there was intensity to the rehearsal brought on by our preparations for the next morning’s Mass that would begin at 10 am. We moved steadily through each movement, the Kapellmeister and Randall Svane sitting a few rows back listening to each part. Deborah would go back periodically to get their thoughts and feedback. The best part about singing in this setting was hearing the two-three second reverberation after the singing had stopped. This is the place that a Mass like this is meant to be sung. At the end, Randall said that he was moved by the heart our group put into performing the Mass.

The next morning, we left the hotel at 7:45 to make it to Salzburg for an early rehearsal/last run through of key parts. We practiced in a room in a building right next to the Dom. Then, as we walked from this practice room through the winding street of Salzburg down to the Dom, I really got the feeling for what Salzburg must have been like in the times of Mozart and other composers. We all wore our concert black and wound down the street following the Kapellmeister. The Dom, looming large above us, made all of us seem ant-like. The Kapellmeister looked back anxiously to make sure we were following him, a couple of people on bikes rode by, and the bells on the church rang deeply to bring everyone to the Mass. It felt a bit surreal—almost unbelievable to be here at this church. As we performed the Mass, the Kapellmeister sat nearby, and Randall Svane sat several rows back with his family. The church was filled.

I have to say one final note—the tour has shown me the pleasure of having the repeated focus of singing and rehearsing a piece and repertoire. Even in the midst of sightseeing, dinners, making plans, getting up early, feeling exhausted—it is nice to know that in as strange of a place as a hotel bowling alley our choir can “drop into” that rehearsal mode and literally focus on the music for an hour and a half. It makes the music sort of like an anchor that connects all of the varied and assorted experiences we are having. I credit Dr. King with the amazing focus that she is able to evoke from us at these rehearsals throughout the trip.

Cynthia Darling, alto


The best way to describe the tour, specifically the performance of the Mass, is without words. I’ve always thought the most profound feedback was that of a speechless audience member, one who, whether or not they could find words, knew that the emotion they felt trumped all they could have said. These were the expressions I saw during the Mass, and it was this that told me that we had accomplished what we had come to do: sharing our passion in the most personal way we know how.

Max G Jefferson, soprano; SCH Choral Scholar

From the bus back to Vienna

and now, the Big One!

In another three hours, the touring singers of Schola Cantorum on Hudson will be meeting the Kappellmeister of the Salzburger Dom, along with composer Randall Svane, on the front steps of the awe-inspiring cathedral. The singers' level of performing capacity--musically, vocally, and in terms of 'communicative presentation'--has risen many levels with each performance. In each performance we have included one of the movements of composer Svane's Mass. Yet, the intensity of presenting the entire eight-part, a cappella, rhythmically- and harmonically-intense composition is a challenge on yet another level, to which we have devoted pointed rehearsal time throughout the week. Tomorrow is the day. We are ready!

One of our shadow family members, Diane Strangfeld, reported to all of us the reaction of her tour guide this morning (while singers were in rehearsal!), which was nothing short of stunned awe that he was actually in the presence of someone who even KNEW someone who was going to sing at THE 10:00 AM Mass! He will likely be there.

Not exactly nervous, but filled with excitement and anticipation. Send us all those good vibes. We'll be sharing ours with you, as we bring you all along with us in this exciting adventure!!

with love,
Deborah

on the bus, from Prague to Salzburg

After our glorious concert in Prague, a very excited woman approached us and shared that, not only had she loved this concert, but she had also been at our concert in Cesky Krumlov two nights earlier! Our first official East European “groupie”!

Diane Michael, alto


Well, it wasn’t so much a matter of raising the rafters as it was climbing them! Imagine us trailing up a narrow, steep, slightly hair-raising spiral staircase up to the clerestory of this beautiful baroque cathedral [in Prague]! The concert started with our glorious voices wafting out over the audience like angel voices descending from the heavens as we sang of the incarnation [Whitacre's 'Lux aurumque' and Lauridsen's 'O magnum mysterium'] and then segued into the creed [from Randall Svane's Mass].

Then, miraculously we made our way back down to the nave to finish off the concert. Everyone practically “rocked out” as we sang our 5 spirituals. It was such a great concert I’m almost certain that the glass-casketed corpses of a couple of saints were actually smiling at the end!

Andrew Jones, tenor


One of the members of the audience in Prague was an elderly man, very taken with the spirituals, rocking from side to side with the rhythm. He also loved “Blue Skies”, humming along and sometimes mouthing the words to himself. Afterwards he told Bob [Kosinski, husband of soprano Sherry Kosinski] and me that he remembered the movies of the 1930’s and 1940’s with great fondness. His name was Dvorak, but no relation to the composer, or so he claimed.

Mary Lou West, wife of bass Roger West


We are now in the bus again, on our way to Salzburg. It’s nice to have some down time and quiet. It also has given me the opportunity to get to know my fellow Schola members. The bonding that I’ve experienced on this trip could not have been obtained any other way. We are all different people with different experiences, but all have something in common, our love of music. For me, this has been a wonderful way to get to know my fellow choir member and their significant others (the shadow members). All too soon we will be challenged by our final performance and do what we all seem to do best, spreading the joy of music to others.

Marlene Karu, soprano


I am finally chiming in on day 7. The challenges of traveling with a 2 year old have made blogging difficult. Nonetheless, there are many observations to report and stories to share, so here comes a slightly longer than average entry.

I am sure that this has already been said, but it bears repeating… Our concerts have been nothing short of impactful. The audiences have each had their own character, which has helped feed the performances. I think my favorite is a toss up between the jubilant Bad Schönau and the awestruck Cesky Krumlov. Watching the faces of those hearing Schola for the first time (while still keeping one eye on the conductor ☺) was thrilling! With every performance, the music takes on new meaning. Sometimes this new meaning is born of the desire to impart the beauty of the thoughts portrayed in the text to a foreign audience… a need to make them understand why this music is so important in our lives. Other times the new found meaning is more personal. At last night’s concert in Prague, I sang my own “Alleluia” for the God who made my 2-year-old son sleep during the concert so that my mom could finally sit in for the concert.

Speaking of that 2-year-old… Carter has made the trip interesting. Thankfully, this is a group of wonderfully warm people who have put up with the occasional tantrum and the more frequent requests to “sit lap” that Carter has made. To stick to the theme of musical ambassadors, I will relate one particularly cute story from our dinner in Bad Schönau. It was a beautiful evening and we were eating outside when a boy with Down Syndrome who was about 8 years old came out and began playing his electronic toy guitar for us. He sang at the top of his lungs and even did some dances. He was very excited to have such a large and enthusiastic audience. He wore a black snow hat that said ”Austria” which he placed on Carter’s head. Carter, loving guitars as much as he does, asked the boy if he could play the guitar as well. Carter then gave his own concert of every song he could think of from “Freight Train” to “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” After a while it was time to give back the guitar and return to the bus. As we boarded the bus, the hostess/owner of the place came running up with a red “Austria” hat that she said the boy wanted Carter to have so that he could remember him.

Rachel Carter-White (mother to Carter James White… not Carter Carter-White ☺),
SCH Executive Director and singer


My fellow singers surround me on the bus, reading, slumbering, or even now sharing music educator experience. “What am I doing here?” I ask myself. Most of these musicians know more music than I may ever hear. The depth and breadth of their knowledge sometimes overwhelms me. But I realize we have one great thing in common: our love for the gift of vocal music and a desire to enhance our own lives and the lives of others by preparing and performing it.

I wonder if audiences think they are the only beneficiaries of a concert experience. If any are reading this, rest assured we benefit, too. When I see your faces react to a piece of music I met some time earlier, I think to myself, “Cool, you get it, too.” When you smile, cry, or close your eyes to absorb the genius of a composer, you mirror our experience while preparing for the day we get to share it with you. The music alone is a joy unto itself; your participation makes it transcendent.

What impresses me about my fellow Scholars (Scholites, Scholians? I still haven’t found the right word) is that they are not only good musicians, but interesting, sincere, warm, earnest souls – passionate about what they do inside and out of the group. It has been a pleasure sharing these new countries with them and reporting on it to you.

Mark Davies, baritone

En route from Prague to Salzburg

Once again, we passed the laptops around the bus to gather the thoughts and experiences of the artists and friends with us on this special journey.

Note from the tour bus: Friday, August 15, 2008
As the bus winds its way through the southern Czech countryside, Prague recedes into the distance if only in physicality. The memories of walking through the old streets, viewing the stunning architecture, and singing the last concert remain emblazoned in our minds, well, certainly mine. Ondrau again cues up Ma Vlast as a fitting postlude to our experiences in this charming and ethereal city. One interaction that sticks out in my mind is that of one of the audience members of last night’s concert. A woman from Prague, who was on vacation in Cesky Krumlov and attended that concert, came to our next concert two days later at St Thomas in Prague. Who would have that we would form Schola groupies overseas, but as we’ve come to discover, just about anything is possible.
----Salvatore Diana

We spent our final dinner in Prague at a monastery. Toward the end of the dinner, one table broke out in song—“Weem a Wop a Weem a Wop”—quite possibly the best version of that song ever sung—in harmony and with powerful voices! The singing continued on the bus trip home with a rendition of “Singular Sensation” from A Chorus Line done in response to Deborah’s typical request to count off all the people on the bus. A few men sang an Irish tune in the back of the bus too.

One of the shadow tour members, Al Festa broke out his mandolin yesterday –first bringing it out as we stood on the sidewalk waiting for the bus. A few choir members gathered around him singing “Tom Dooley”. Definitely made the time go faster! Later that night in the hotel, he brought it out again and several choir members passed it around to try their hand at it. With all of the different musical backgrounds in the group, it was fun to see how quickly each person could adapt to the mandolin—a guitar player making the leap quite quickly, a violin player, a little more slowly! After Al and a few others went out to the garden courtyard at around 1:00 a.m. to continue the playing—and try a little improvising—we soon saw the lights go on in some rooms above us and not two minutes later received the warning from the hotel security guard that the music had to stop. “A serious problem” the man said—but very cordial—not rude, not angry—just firm! So, the playing stopped—but the conviviality continued into the night.

One great Czech discovery: Becherovka—a liquor with an amazing aroma—you don’t even need to drink it to enjoy it!

Now we head to Salzburg—Randall Svane will be there. We are excited to head into our performance of his Mass, our whole reason behind the creation of the tour in the first place.
----Cynthia Darling

Our final evening in Prague we had a concert at another beautiful church before heading to dinner at a nearby monastery. Since it was customary for us to interact with the audience after the show, I stood near the front steps thanking people for coming. One woman approached me, smiling broadly and saying that she enjoyed our performance in Cesky Krumlov so much that she looked us up in Prague! To explain further, Prague was her place of residence but she happened to be visiting Cesky Krumlov for the first time. “It was my first time in Cesky, too!” I squealed

I was flattered when, at the end of our conversation, she expressed an interest in being pen pals and proceeded to give me her personal e-mail address in order to keep in touch.

I guess you could say she was the first friend I made in Europe.

---Lazarita

As a member of the “Shadow Tour” I have the opportunity to experience Schola not only as a personal supporter of one of the singing members (my wife is an alto in the group) but also as a member of the audience.

I have seen all of the shows in the US since 2006 but nothing had prepared me for the level of enjoyment that I am experiencing during American Ambassadors.

At the sound check in Vienna’s world famous Karlskirche, the sun played crimson red and sapphire blue on the singers faces as it shined through the modern mosaic of the church’s stained glass windows.

At the Cesky Krumlov concert I noticed that some observers in the audience sat peacefully transfixed while others glowed with estatic wonder quite possibly believing that God had opened an annex of heaven on earth.

An enraptured audience in Bad Schonau savored every note while joyously anticipating each volley of angelic song.

-Al Festa

Schola Version 2.0 ???

In the past few days, while the touring singers of Schola Cantorum On Hudson have been hard at work delivering peak performances and making important cultural connections with European audiences, there has been some good media attention focused on the tour activities (and this blog!). In our modern age of Internet news and blogging sites, even the denizens of the vocal music world utilize the web as a tool to highlight and revere the art form. We are very excited to note that two such places have been keeping an eye on the American Ambassadors tour:

This blog has been featured online at ChoralNet, the Internet center for choral music. We'd particularly like to thank Philip L. Copeland, Michael Ransom, group moderators, and the management team of ChoralNet for their support and kind words. You can view the post under the ChoralBlog section of their homepage or by clicking here.

Concurrently, an article about Schola and the behind-the-scenes process leading up to the European premiere of the Svane Mass has just been published online by the Vocal Area Network, New York's home for vocal ensemble music. Our gratitude goes to Steve Friedman, who has been single-handedly running VAN since 1995.

The article is a discussion about the challenge that ensembles face when programming new music and the efforts required of contemporary composers in order to get their music performed. It goes on to use Schola's own story to illustrate how ensembles can work with composers for the betterment of both, and how new technologies can aid the process. You can read the article by visiting the VAN homepage, or jump directly to it by clicking here.

ChoralNet and VAN are two of the most important web-based resources that are out there for vocal music lovers, and we highly recommend that you check them out. You will be surprised by some of the things you encounter.

On a side note, those of us who are stateside would like to tell the singers how tremendously proud we are. I've heard remarks from so many well-wishers (friends, family, audience members, and even folks from around the world who were unaware of the group until now) who are following this blog anxiously and excitedly. The evocative descriptions of your daily happenings, musical and otherwise, have made the great distance between us ever so much shorter. And surely you are bridging other kinds of distances with the important work you are doing in Europe. We look forward to reading more.

Being that we envision this blog as a broader forum about the role of the arts in society, and since Schola is right now gearing up for its major performance of the Svane Mass this Sunday in Salzburg, I thought I would close by sharing these quotes as "food for thought":

"People usually complain that music is so ambiguous, that it leaves them in such doubt as to what they are supposed think, whereas words can be understood by everyone. But to me it seems exactly the opposite." -Felix Mendelssohn

"Are we not formed, as notes of music are, / For one another, though dissimilar?"-Percy Bysshe Shelley

"Musical compositions, it should be remembered, do not inhabit certain countries, certain museums, like paintings and statues. The Mozart Quintet is not shut up in Salzburg: I have it in my pocket." -Henri Rabaud

Photo credit: Darren Hester, Creative Commons license

Prague - Seeing the Sights and Concert

After a brief rehearsal in the morning, the group headed into the center of town to explore this gorgeous city. Folks made their way to the infamous Prague castle, Charles Bridget, Old Town Square, and the National Museum.

The final concert of the American Ambassadors repertoire was held at the stunningly beautiful St. Thomas Church for a very receptive and engaging audience. The first group of pieces (Whitacre Lux Aurumque, O Magnum Mysterium, and the Svane "Credo" from Mass was sung from the gallery which was at least a 60-75 step climb from the ground floor.

The rest of the concert showcased more of the repertoire than in previous evenings given that this was the last evening to present this repertoire.

We had some great exchanges with folk who attended the concert. One woman who came to the concert and hailed from Prague had been on vacation in Cesky Krumlov and attended our concert there as well. Looks like we may formed our first European Schola groupie! Then, we had a great conversation with some women who belong to the Prague Teachers Choir, an all-female choral group, and had sung an arrangement of the Thompson Alleluia. Again, as has been the case throughout, the spirituals were a tremendous hit. One gentleman commented that "they just don't have anything like this here" and you can just see how they're faces light up as soon as we start that group of pieces.

After the concert, everyone made their way up to a monastery for dinner where they beer is exceptionally good, or so they say(!).

Off to Salzburg tomorrow....

Concert in Cesky Krumlov - August 12

After some very fast sleep(!), the group made an early departure to rendevouz with a boat cruise departing from the town of Melk winding its way through the beautiful landscape of the Wachau region, which is a UNESCO world heritage location. The cruise docked in the town of Durstein at the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned.

The group stopped briefly in the town of Gmund, a town close to the border of Austria and the Czech Republic, before continuing on to Csesky Krumlov, which is a charming small town and another UNESCO world heritage site. Two in one day!



As the group walked over to the church, we couldn’t help but notice all the big flyers posted about our concert. We felt a little bit like celebrities.
We sang to a very full house for our concert at St. Vitus Church.
Among the crowd of people, we found a pocket of folks from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Vermont who were visiting the town and happened upon our concert. Everyone commented on the variety of the repertoire, the apparent depth of vocal talent, and as one audience member commented, "rich and velvety mixture of voices."

Concert in Bad Schonau Austria - August 11

We've had a couple of long days and short nights, so we have some catch up to do on the up-to-the-minute. Without further ado:

Monday, August 11
Straight off a wonderful first performance, the group departed for a day of exploring more of the Austrian countryside and places of interest. First stop was the house where Josef Haydn was born followed by the crypt where Hadyn was buried.


The group then headed to Eisenstadt and the Esterhazy estate where Josef Haydn spent much of his formative years and composed many great works during his time supported by the Esterhazy family.

After a brief rehearsal in the park, the group boarded the bus bound for Bad Schonau, for our second concert.




The concert was well attended with a very enthusiastic audience. Great conversations were had with the attendees, some of whom just had to walk away with a CD of the group. We were happy to oblige. More importantly, we were exceptionally grateful for the warm response.

The words of the pastor of the church in Bad Schonau seemed to capture the sentiment clearly evident on the faces of the people sitting in the audience; “ I feel like I was transported to the heavens.”

More thoughts from the bus

In Bad Schönau / Austria, we enjoyed a discussion with the Head of Cultural Department and Deputy Mayor of the community, who told us that there is a fierce competition between choirs and chorals from Europe and overseas to get a chance to sing in Bad Schönau, and everyone wanted to come back. – We know why!
Ro, alto

Schola choir and soloists are sounding very beautiful and our audiences are loving it.
Bob – Schola Roadie

I got to scat in our encore performance of Blue Skies. The choir sounds very cool and the audience was great, clapping along, and laughing in just those private moments that are known in the music by Jazz listeners.

Sherry Kosinski, soprano

Was happy and proud to bring our American music to a part of the world that has such a rich musical history. Our audiences were terrific…appreciative and kind-hearted. Looking forward to our next performance., after a bit of rest.

Don Strangfeld, bass

There have been so many memorable moments on this tour. The most memorable for me actually came from our tour guide. We had gone to dinner at a restaurant located at the top of a mountain. We passed some picturesque vineyards along the way. The restaurant itself was quaint and there was an accordion player there to entertain us. We sang along to some of the songs and several choir members even danced. We finally left and boarded our tour bus for the drive back to the hotel. That’s when the tour guide surprised us with a lullaby. His voice was dark yet resonant and his Czech pronunciation was authentic as that was his first language. The melody was plaintive and the countryside darkness seemed to envelope us. It was so surreal. Time seemed to come to a stand still. Of course, later I would come to learn that he was a classically trained singer, which explained why he had such a lovely legato.

Lazarita Perez

Thanks, Deborah, for the use of your computer! I had really wanted to post more frequently, but who knew that 9 hours and what feels like 96 straight hours for touring, rehearsing and performing could take so much out of you! But this is the most fun I’ve had in a LOOOOONNNNNNGGGG time!. The most exciting thing for me is the audiences. Not only are they very energetic and appreciative but they are growing! It was so thrilling to fill up a cathedral last night!

Hopefully with more to come,
Andrew


Who would have believed that this retired teacher from Bayonne would one day be singing alto with this glorious Schola group on a European tour, no less. The experience has, to paraphrase the Priest at Bad Schonau, sent me to heaven. The settings and repertoire have combined to give our audiences wonderful music. In fact, I suspect that the gentleman from Barcelona who attended our performance in Cesky Krumlov has been inspired to rejoin a choir. I could go on and on. With about five more days of the tour and two concerts to do, I am still profoundly moved by “…the music, the muuuusic.”
Joyce Nestle


As the priest at Bad Schoenau (8/11) said, I felt as if I was transported to heaven. There can scarcely be any better accolade!
Roger West


The time is going incredibly quickly as we travel from town to town – one more quaint and lovely than another. Our tour guide, Andrew, is just superb – warm and interesting, beginning each announcement with, “now my dear friends . . . “. He just played some Smetana music for us on the bus!

The music we are presenting to our world audience is superb. It is such a joy to have full and appreciative audiences. Last night in Krumlov the house contained many Americans, including those from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Illinois . . .also Canada. It is thrilling to be living the role of American ambassadors.. . . .quite a moving experience. There are times during and after concerts when it is difficult to keep my composure, the experience is so profound. Music truly has the power to transport one, when performed well and with conviction.

I am enjoying having some time to get to know choir members a bit better; we are are usually so busy working on music, that it’s great to have some additional time. Thanks for following our trails . . .

Carol Sargent, Soprano

As I compose this, we are in our tour bus traveling to Prague through the Czech countryside. Our guide is telling us some interesting little-known facts about Czech composer Smetana as we listen to one of his orchestral compositions, "Fields and Forests". Both music and countryside are beautiful.

Thoughts from the bus from Cesky Krumlov to Prague

Cynthia Darling:
There are a few experiences on a tour when it really hits you that you are in another country. At our concert at the small Austrian town of Bad Schonau, we sang to an incredibly appreciative audience in a church that looked closer to some of the simple-styled American churches that I am used to (no ornate gold leaf here!) And yet, this simpler setting helped bring us closer to the audience. Suddenly, as we waited in line before entering for our first piece “Simple Gifts”, and I heard the tour organizer introducing the choir all in German, I had this sense of being a sort of link between America and Austria. Their language was German. They were speaking in German and laughing at his jokes in German. We were preparing to sing in mainly English. And yet, I felt that the moment we started singing the music began to transcend that language barrier. It was like the combined elements of the music, the good cheer of the audience and the light streaming through the golden stained glass window all combined to create this moment of beautiful music bringing people together.

One side note about the tour: I have been particularly impressed with the size of the audience at our concerts. We have had full audiences each night. It has been great to be received in such an appreciative manner. While I know this is due to the tour company’s wonderful job of “selling” the concerts, I think it also might have to do with how much people appreciate music over here. Tourists come to the concerts because they are probably open to hearing the music of the area. And, locals come perhaps because of their value of music. Regardless, it is a new experience to feel that classical music is so greatly valued.

Another note on the predominance of music over here. There are festivals galore! Everywhere I look there are posters and signs and billboards advertising upcoming concerts and shows—from America, Austria, Czech Republic and every other European country. To see such energy devoted to music is refreshing—and also, I am sure, taken for granted by the people who live here.

One thing that the audiences seem to respond to in our repertoire is our Spirituals group of pieces. The minute Gil and Sal start their solos and approach the audience to sing, it’s like the European audience has been given an opportunity to loosen up a bit—I can almost feel them wanting to sway and swing a bit—not used to having the same sense of freedom at a typical European concert.

After the concert at Cesky Krumlov, I heard a man and woman say they were from Brattleboro, Vt. Having spent all of my Christmases there, as my aunt is a longtime resident, I approached them after the concert and asked if they knew my aunt, Ann Darling. They did and I learned that the couple was Lisa and Doug Cox who were here to attend a music festival that their son was going to be performing in. Doug is a violin maker based in Brattleboro.

Some of the nice aspects of being on tour are the opportunities for conversations. Today I got to talk to Lazarita Perez, a fellow choir member who is an opera singer. Since my background is in the violin, the world of opera singing is quite new to me. Sitting on the back of the bus as the Czech countryside rolled by, I received a 45-minute tutorial in the greats of opera. It was better than taking a music appreciation class! I now return to the U.S. with a list of opera singers who I want to check out—and a new sense of the different types of voices that are out there! These moments are the invaluable things that propel the trip forward.

While traveling through the beautiful Czech countryside, we have been coached in a few key words and phrases to use in Prague by our wonderful tour guide, Ondre. Then, as a special gift (or, so it feels to me) he put on the sound system Smetana’s stunning Ma Vlast, which is all that we are seeing out the windows of the bus converted into sound by one whose country it was. That, enhanced by the blessing of making music on a very high level with people I truly love, is filling my heart almost to a point of bursting.

As in the rhetorical ‘question’ posed by one of our songs: How, indeed, can any of us keep from singing! Surely, this is Life with a capital ‘L!’ Surely, it is this kind of joy that lives within us as that ‘quiet alleluia,’ that ‘crystal of peace’ . . . Surely, we are unusually blessed with the privilege of traveling with this as our reason.

Deborah

I have loved music, and singing, since I was very small. I've been on two other overseas singing tours, one in Europe and one in the UK. I have had the great privilege of singing with some marvelous conductors, and for some momentous events. I have never before had so much fun as I'm having, being on the road with this wonderful group of people.

We've been singing this music, most of it, for several months; we know it pretty much inside out. And yet, in each concert, as we get to the Randall Thompson "Alleluia," and "How Can I Keep From Singing?", I find myself suddenly moved to tears - by the beauty of the music, by the beauty of our surroundings, by the sheer joy of singing.

I noticed this particularly last evening, as we were singing here in the Czech Republic. The words of the second verse of "How Can I Keep From Singing?" struck me in particular, thinking of the long and troubled history of this country, and its people –

When tyrants tremble, sick with fear, and hear their death knells ringing;
when friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell or dungeon vile, our thoughts to them are winging;
when friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing?

As we were lining up to enter the church last night, a man in a yellow t-shirt walked up and asked where we were from. I told him; it turned out that he and his wife were from Brattleboro, VT, had been traveling for about 24 hours, and had arrived in Cesky Krumlov 2 hours previous – and they came to hear us sing! And they stayed for the whole hour, which tremendously impressed me, remembering how badly jetlagged I was Saturday (and we hadn’t traveled nearly as long as these good folks). Speaking to them afterward, they were just thrilled to have heard us and immensely enjoyed the experience.

That had best be all from me for now; more later, as time permits.

European debut

This momentous day began some more sightseeing. We were fortunate to have some free time in the early part of the day to explore what this great city had to offer in the way of culture, architecture, and of course, cuisine.

Folks made their way to the major churches and cathedrals with some climbing the 342 steps to the top of the bell tower at Stephansdom.

Others investigated the cultural offerings and historical sites of the city by visiting the great museums, opera houses, and palaces of the nobility that are the hallmarks of Austria's rich heritage.
The main story, however, is that tonight (well, it was afternoon for those reading this back home), SCH gave its first-ever European performance at the historic Karlskirche in Vienna to a very handsome and appreciative crowd.
Deborah did a magnificent job preparing spoken program notes in German; it was noticeable that the crowd was responding to her ability to make a connection. The acoustics were absolutely stunning for both the audience and the singers. And, the crowd was extremely engaged by all accounts. They were visibly mesmerized by the lush and dense chords and soaring melodies. They were transported by the rich sonorities and expressive singing. They sat up in the seats, however, for the spirituals set (Gil absolutely stole the show garnering an impromptu standing ovation by some enthusiastic admirers) and practically up on their feet for the closer of "Blue Skies."

We had some lovely conversations with the appreciative audience members and then off to a celebratory meal.

Evening came and morning follows...

Welcome to Austria

After the 7-hour, 35-minute flight from JFK, the 40+ singers, director, friends, and family arrived in Austria Saturday morning, a little bleary-eyed perhaps, but excited nonetheless to have feet touching the ground in our first stop: Vienna. We met our tour guide from Concerts Austria, Ondrau (Czech for Andrew), who greeted us at the airport and brought us to the bus to begin our sight-seeing tour.


We got our first glimpses of the city and traveled the Ringstrasse to catch sight of some famous buildings and statues including one dedicated to Beethoven, who apparently lived in over 39 different apartments in Vienna during his lifetime.

We met up with our Vienna tour guide, Thomas, who gave us some insights into the history of the country and city, especially focused on the role of the Hapsburgs, especially Maria Theresa.
We made a special trip to Schonnbrun, the summer residence of the Hapsburgs.


After taking a bit of rest, the group rehearsed before going to a nearby vineyard to enjoy some traditional Austrian cuisine and culture. Sufficed to say, the group was more than ready for some much needed slumber to prepare for Sunday evening's concert at the famous Karlskirche.


More tomorrow...

Bon Voyage

Along with the Mass the choir has prepared a wide range of American choral music including the spiritual "I Wanna Die Easy" arranged by Dr. Rodger Wesby, Director of Choral Activities at Wagner College

The Video is from the Bon Voyage Concert 

Bon Voyage (or Gute Reise), in Photos...

Schola Cantorum on Hudson has officially embarked on its journey to the heart of European music, Austria and the Czech Republic. Following a flawless (we hope!) air flight, the singers are now in the middle of their first morning and a frenetic sight-seeing schedule.

Remember, to follow along with the daily travel itinerary just click here.

You can look forward to reading about trip highlights in the days to come, as Schola musicians will be blogging about their experiences live from tour. Whenever possible, they will be also posting photos, videos, and sound clips.

In the meantime, enjoy these photos from Monday evening's very successful "Open Rehearsal" at Saint Mary's Church, Holy Redeemer Parish in West New York. Following a program featuring the dynamic American choral tradition, audience and musicians gathered for a reception in the Parish Center.

Interactive Experience

When we posed the idea of having a bon voyage event, it was primarily with the singers in mind. Of course, we knew that there were some friends and family that would enjoy hearing the group before we took off for Europe. At the same time, the pastor and music director of the Holy Redeemer parish approached us about hosting the group for some performances. This seemed like a perfect opportunity and everyone was so welcoming. Our expectations, in terms of attendance, were in the neighborhood of about sixty people on the high end. Nothing could have prepared us for seeing 200+ people sharing the experience with us. Tonight's event was markedly different that anything we've ever done before. Our "open rehearsal" was definitely a test drive of sorts. Although Deborah does take time during our "regular" performances to speak to the audience with the goal of creating a connection to the music, tonight's experience took that concept to a whole new level. From my vantage point, as a performer, it was interesting to have an audience commenting or voting on certain elements on the artistic elements, but I think it is safe to say that it was a positive experience for all involved. For any who were in attendance, either as singers or audience members, I wonder if this is something we should consider for the future. Thoughts? Observations? Opinions?

Tour-at-a-glance

Click here for our special tour Web site, which contains our itinerary and repertoire.

History in the making

This is our maiden voyage in the world of blogging, but then again, there's been a lot of firsts for us as an arts organization in recent times. One of the most significant firsts happens in less than a week when we head overseas for our first ever European tour to Austria and the Czech Republic. During our 10-day trip, we will give five concerts of our "American Ambassadors" program, which features some great works that represent our national choral heritage (Bernstein, Copland, Thompson) and folk songs arrangements of Shenandoah and Simple Gifts. No American music program would be complete without spirituals and of course we're taking some Hogan arrangements. The program also features some newer arrangers of spirituals as well like Roger Wesby's arrangements of 'I Wanna Die Easy' and 'Ride on King Jesus' that inflect some more jazz influences into the medium. In general, our programming gravitates toward the contemporary side of the spectrum and we really enjoy working with composers and being a champion of bringing new works to light.

In fact, the whole reason we are going on this tour is a direct result of our work with a local composer. Two years ago, we co-sponsored the world premiere of a work by Randall Svane entitled "Mass," which is an a cappella setting of the ordinary of the Latin Mass.

Well, fast forward:

• There's a big write-up in the Star Ledger giving kudos to composer, choir and, director
• Communications and CDs are sent to directors all over the world
• Kapellmeister of the Salzburg Cathedral takes interest
• Kapellmeister invites composer, choir, and director to present Randall Svane's Mass at the Salzburg Cathedral

• A tour is born!

Everyone involved is understandably excited. On Friday 8/8, 40+ singers, family, and friends depart for our first stop: Vienna. We'll be a-posting as we go.

But first, we have a rehearsal and one more send off event. On Monday, August 4th at 7:30pm, we'll be holding an open rehearsal at St. Mary's Church in West New York, NJ (another first since we've never performed in that part of Hudson County yet). Click here for more information and links to directions

Details can be found on our Web site's home page at www.ScholaOnHudson.org