Like so many in Nova Scotia, in Canada, and around the world, we're struggling to find peace following the tragic events of April 18 and 19. We were inspired to tackle a "virtual choir" project last week, having no idea just how much these simple words, "I love you" will need to be heard by a grieving province and country.
Peace to you all. We love you.
John
I Love You / What A Wonderful World
"Virtual Choir"
During these exceptional times we find comfort in responding in the way we know best - through the gift of music shared together. As we reached the end of week five of social distancing and isolation, we shared this uplifting song with our friends and University community - Still I Rise by Rosephanye Powell, with words inspired by Maya Angelou. This is from the live recording of a concert we shared with the Aeolian Singers (Halifax) and the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (senior trebles), although this track features just the Chapel Choir. We'll post more from this magical concert in the coming days.
Still I Rise - Rosephanye Powell
Copied from an email sent to the University community by Chapel Choir director, John, in response to the tragic events in Nova Scotia on April 18-19, 2020:
Dear friends,
At no time have I felt more acutely distant from my community than at times like this. When together the confusion and hurt are dampened a little, and it's ok not to understand 'why'. If these were normal times, I would take comfort knowing that soon I would be surrounded by the Chapel Choir and we would share, and we would sing, and we would hurt together. And so, if you like, I've included a link to a piece the Chapel Choir has sung a number of times, and deeply loves - Even When He Is Silent by Kim Andre Arnesen. The text was found written on the wall of a concentration camp at the end of WW II. The recording is not perfect, and neither are we.
I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining
I believe in love, even when I feel it not
I believe in God, even when He is silent
Even When He Is Silent - Kim André Arnesen
Unfortunately the Coronavirus / Covid-19 pandemic made it impossible for us to perform our final concert of our 2019-20 Season, but that perhaps only heightens our deep sense of gratitude for the three concerts we were able to share with so many audience members. Our shared concert with Sahara Jane, Ken Shorley, and Kendall Jones in November charted new territory in a magical way; three sold out Wassail performances in December, including a visit to the wonderful Dawn Oman Gallery in Bridgetown; and an incredibly special evening spent sharing music with the Aeolian Singers (Halifax) and the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (senior trebles) in March. We can't wait to share music with you again... soon!
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