It is only now that I feel like I am emerging from a cocoon—all weekend I have been at my computer working on the concert program for a series of concerts celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir is presenting two concerts, called “Echoes and Refrains” with the Canadian early brass ensemble ¡Sacabuche! on Saturday, October 21, 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 22, 5:30 pm.

Some time ago I was asked to be on the Concert Committee and was additionally asked to produce a full-color program booklet. Since I can practically do these things in my sleep, I said ‘okay.’ Well, it took me longer than I thought it would, but I am relieved to report that it is now just finished! You can click the icon at the left to see a sneak preview. (By the way, the cover graphic was designed by Scott Fikse.) As it turned out, I’m not performing in this concert, but Iʻm perfectly content to work behind the scenes.

On Saturday morning I came outside briefly to do my semi-yearly stint at Hawai‘i Public Radio—I have to admit that I really feel uncomfortable talking on the radio. I would much rather play the organ or write a blog post!

The idea of me talking in front of a radio audience is terrifying—All these years my husband Carl did the honors, but now the station calls on me—I guess because we were members from the beginning (1981) and I am a sustaining member. We had the nearly impossible goal of raising $3,000 in an hour on an early Saturday morning when most people can sleep in! Actually we came very close to the goal, thanks to some very generous matching gifts. Also thanks to Ian Capps and Judy Anderson who were co-hosting and asked me some interesting questions.

Last Saturday I also had six students audition for scholarships from the Hawai‘i Chapter American Guild of Organists. Because they were my students, of course I couldn’t be part of the process except to open the door and lock up afterwards, but I am happy to report that all of them were granted awards.

On Sunday night, though, after hearing about the horrific, mass shooting in Las Vegas, I was reminded of Leonard Bernstein’s quote regarding violence:

All of a sudden I was so grateful that I attended the Hawaii Symphony opening concert on Sunday afternoon, and was left with the delicious Largo movement of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” in my ear. I wish I could have recorded Sunday’s heartfelt performance, because when I heard the English horn solo, my heart just melted. Someone commented, “I just love this piece of music—to me it sounds like the most beautiful sunrise after the most devastating battle; war torn, but there’s a glimmer of hope at first light, it’s a new day.” Unfortunately, I don’t know who the orchestra is on this recording which I found on YouTube, but I offer it for you to enjoy.

https://youtu.be/hOX15agZ3-0