The River Cam, Cambridge, England 2019
(Photo krb)
A few years ago, our arrival in London happened to coincide with an event at Southwark Cathedral. The event was a 'Come and Sing' organized by the Friends of Southwark Cathedral and the Royal School of Church Music. We thought that because we would be jet lagged (which we were) we would sit quietly in the audience and enjoy the music. However, one way and another we found ourselves sitting in our appropriate places in the choir music in hand. I think there was probably meant to be a rehearsal, but it seemed as though that hadn't happened.
When I got my first look at the music, I was very relieved to discover that I knew all of the anthems quite well and was therefore unlikely to embarrass myself. In the few minutes before the music began, I was wondering how it would go. Of course, the English Church coral tradition is lengthy and outstanding, but this was a group of well over 200 singers who had not sung together before. The first piece, "I was Glad," an Anthem by Hubert Parry, begins with 3 chords sung loud (f) and then builds even louder (ff). Those first 3 chords were sung with such perfection and confidence I immediately thought 'this is going to be good', and it was.
As the singing progressed, I felt a great sense of this group of hundreds of people growing together around a single purpose of making good quality music. It was like over that 90-minute period we became a community. It was not the building wonderous though it is or the acoustics which were magnificent. It was a that group of strangers came together without regard for social class, or status or wealth or power and certainly not where we came from. None of these extraneous issues mattered. We came together and worshipped God.
Every blessing as you continue on your journey. May God bless you and be your companion on the way. Please get in touch with me any time to say g'day.
Peace, justice and blessings to all.
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