Songs in Waiting

Just home from snowy Spokane after a memorable weekend with my new friends in the Spokane Choral Project.  The project sprang from the imagination of Tamara Schupman, after having read Paul-Gordon Chandler's exquisite little book on the four canticles.  Songs in Waiting brings to life the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria, and Nunc Dimittis in the context of their middle eastern roots.  Reverend Chandler, Rector of the Episcopal St. John's Church/Maadi in Cairo, part of the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt and North Africa, introduced each section of the program with a reflection on the canticle and artwork by the American artist Daniel Bonnell visually amplified the meditation.  Each part of the program was crafted around the Latin texted canticle -- Part's Magnificat, Vaughan Williams' Benedictus, Argento's Gloria and Tarik O'Regan's Nunc Dimittis -- and additional pieces on texts that reflected the spirit of each surrounded the canticle.  This was one of those unique experiences that united the spoken, sung and visual elements in a profoundly meaningful way.  There was an ease and comfort from the first moment of rehearsal -- truly a community of gifted, committed and connected singers -- and the performance in the elegant Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist was stunning.  Thank you all for a wonderful experience!