Happy New Year 2014!!
Now that we’ve sashayed past the holidays and are preparing for the new and exciting NWC Spring Season 2014, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the amazing NWC Fall/Winter 2013 Season.
It is hard to put into words, all that went into creating the season… the experience of our rehearsals, the making of our first CD “We Will Sing for You”, our inspiring Thanksgiving community interfaith event – “A Time to Be Grateful 2013”, topping it off with the Stamford “Street Angels” as well as our season completion party… But here are some thoughts, highlights and a few acknowledgements of the wonderful people who contributed so much to make it all happen.
When creating any event… it takes 2 minutes to dream it up. That’s the easy part. What happens next takes a lot of heart, communication, commitment, time, courage, patience, artistry, respect, practice and will to name a few attributes… then you have to sprinkle a little faith on all of that so the stars line up with your plan! You especially need to be blessed with people who are willing to dream with you, who are willing to climb the mountain, and see the process through to the end. You need an inspired and loving community. Fortunately, I have a lot going in my favor, because I am surrounded by an amazing group of people who are all that and more – the New World Chorus members, our Choir Directors Jason Terry and Chela Belcher, our devoted Production Manager Eileen Rosner, my dear friend and sound consultant Johnny Montagnese (Carriage House Studios), and of course, my wonderful family, Jill and Timothy. I want to say THANK YOU so much to all of you, for “climbing the mountain”. AND… there is more to the story…. that is the partnership, generosity and openness of the community at large – our families, friends, neighbors, clergy, community leaders and colleagues, who keep coming and have continued to invite others to join with us to experience the joy of connection, love and unity. I want to give special thanks to this year’s hosts of “A Time to Be Grateful” – Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Jay TelRav, Connie Elkinson, Cantor Micah Morgovsky and to Interfaith Council’s Rev. Kate Heichler. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Temple Beth El of Stamford for their ongoing support of the New World Chorus and for providing a warm atmosphere for us to rehearse. Also, thank you to the First Congregational Church of Stamford for hosting the “Stamford Street Angels” rehearsals this year. We are ALL so grateful!! THANK YOU.
And finally, it is a profound privilege to compose and arrange music for the New World Chorus and I look forward to continuing to expand our musical palette by including more traditions and languages. JOY! The New World Chorus is truly an extended ‘family’. I am so lucky to work, sing and play with such a great group of people… the experience, both musical and spiritual, is filled with your energy and passion that continues to impact our community and… I must say how much I enjoy such a cast of characters that have me belly laughing at most of our rehearsals… and at other times, moved to tears. I look forward to seeing you and working with you for all that is coming our way in 2014… living into our vision, “one world, one voice, united in love”.
Peace and Love!
Beth