Dear friends,
Thank you for your continued commitment and devotion to our music ministry even during the "temptation-filled" month of May, when many church choirs are abandoned for spring endeavors. It is such a blessing that we can continue to gather together these next few months, still looking forward to a very awesome concert, our music ministry Sunday, and our fun "mission trip" to the Twin Cities in June. It is also a time to treasure our final days in sharing music (at least week by week) with Jeni, Bryce, and Zach, and it was so good to have a chance to celebrate their gifts among us this past Wednesday. Please see below about our coming celebration with Paula.
As we close in on the Organ Plus concert when we sing the Kodaly LAUDES ORGANI and Gardiner EVENING HYMN, I encourage you to spend some time with the blog to get those harmonies and sonorities in your head:
Here are a few updates on events in our choir calendar for you to consider. (You will notice that a few of our pieces have changed from the choir calendar):
Tonight-- Friday, May 6-- Our beloved baritone Charles Muff is featured artist in the First Friday art walk from 7-9 p.m. in the Burkholder Project, Basement, Studio E-- 719 P Street
Sunday, May 8-- Mothers' Day--- we will sing Jack and Deanne's beautiful ALLELUIA and Duruflé UBI CARITAS for the 10:30 service. Please be ready to rehearse in the choir room at 9:45 a.m. (...and, yes, the Plymouth Brass will play "Just a closer walk...")
At 7 p.m., also on Sunday, the Lincoln Lutheran Choir will sing the Fauré REQUIEM as well as a premiere by Lincoln composer Kurt Knecht at Grace Lutheran Church. I look forward to hearing that program. Our friend Josh Norris is the conductor, and Jane and Tami sing with that group. Becky Shane and Bill Shomos will be the soloists.
Wednesday, May 11- rehearsal as usual, 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 15- Music Ministry Sunday-- we will sing for both services, arriving at 8:00 a.m. to prepare. We will sing CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN and COME THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING. At the breakfast between services we will honor Paula Nicholls who will be retiring from many years of faithful service to our Plymouth Choir. We will take up a collection on Wednesday, the 11th, and if each of us can give $1-$2, we will be able to give Paula a small token gift of our appreciation.
At 3 p.m., also on Sunday, May 15, the Lincoln Civic Choir and many organists from the Lincoln community (me included!) will be performing works of Louis Vierne at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
Wednesday, May 18-- rehearsal as usual, 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 19-- dress rehearsal in sanctuary with guest organist Andrew Kotylo for concert, 7:15-9:00 p.m.
Friday, May 20-- Organ Plus Concert-- we sing LAUDES ORGANI and EVENING HYMN as the second half, 7:00 p.m. (warm-up at 6:30 p.m.) We will wear bright color tops and black bottoms.
Sunday, May 22-- we will sing A REPEATING ALLELUIA and CHRIST HAS ARISEN for the 10:30 a.m. service (warm-up at 9:45)
Wednesday, May 25-- rehearsal as usual, 7:15- 9:25 p.m. (IOU five minutes from last Wednesday!)
Sunday, May 29-- sing SPEAK O LORD and PRAISE THE LORD for the 10:30 a.m. service (warm-up at 9:45)
Then, there is the Jolly Month of June!...more on that later.
Looking forward to a meaningful and memorable conclusion to a truly beautiful season. Thank you for all you are and all you do.
Grace and peace,
TT
