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It is hard to believe that June 10 is here and that the Chorale’s 2012 journey has come to an end.  And what an ending — yesterday we sang the motet service in front of a SRO crowd in the St. Thomas Church and for hundreds more who watched on a live feed (high def, big screen) in the Marktplatz.  I had watched the previous day’s broadcast and was blown away by the quality of audio and video that came from the church.  The pictures were amazing — I have a DVD copy of the broadcast and I must admit I am really curious to see our performance as it was broadcast to the town square.  Incredible.

Performances involve an incredible adrenaline rush, and  then suddenly it is gone.  All performers live for this rush I suppose, and then in the hours “post- gig” you have an amazing glow and energy.  It can be lonely when that post gig energy wears off — it is hard to face the reality of seeing Chorale 2012 come to an end and saying goodbye to the Chorale was really difficult — we have traveled an amazing road together.  Musicians live for the next experience and yet seeing this one come to an end is bittersweet.

Many of you reading this know that I had a sabbatical leave in the fall semester, so I began working with the Chorale in January.  They laid a great foundation in the fall and their growth has been extraordinary and continued through yesterday — I am really proud of them.  This journey has involved some incredible performances of music by our beloved JSB, some Mozart and  many wonderful American works, beginning with jubilant songs, followed by forked tongues ( see billings, wm  :)  and with the deep satisfaction of knowing that as we travel this journey together we will see and share the light of new possibilities, of hope, and of togetherness.

In my first post on this blog I mentioned a critical part of this journey together:  grieving the loss of our brother, Christopher Patterson.  In these days we have continued to talk about him and feel his presence among us.  Yesterday in the church we lit a candle and remembered him — more importantly, we have been strengthened by knowing that he watches over us and shares the joy that we feel in our musical ministry.

It is this joy that the members of the VU Chorale have shared with so many.  It’s the joy of musical collaboration and friendship shared with the LBO.  The joy of the citizens of a tiny village as we worshipped together in an ongoing celebration of their congregational life, celebrated with a tiny, but beautiful chapel.  It is the joy of a simple word “danke” expressed to us so many times by our friends at the STC, following performances and by our various musical colleagues here in Germany.  It is the joy of our deeper relationship with the STC signified by our new agreement of friendship signed by President Heckler and Pastor Wolff.  Finally, this joy resonates through all time and space as the Chorale lifts their voices: “Yea let the Amen, sound from thy people again.  Gladly, for aye, we adore thee!  Alleluia!”.

To each of you following this journey, I also say “danke” for sharing the road with us. It has been so memorable. It has been the most incredible path — one filled with deep musical and spiritual discoveries. It has been life-changing.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Meinhof and his parish welcomed the Chorale back with wonderful food, celebration, laughter and moments for reflection. As he guided us on a tour of Wittenberg and Jüterbog, he spoke openly about his struggles during his time as a student during communist rule. Even though it was not intentional, Pastor Meinhof story has left a lasting impression on us all.

The group was welcomed at the little chapel by a crowd of locals, arriving by car, bike, and foot through the fields of Mark Zwuschen to hear the Chorale sing. The group sang outside because the walls of this small sacred place could hold so few. The clouds parted as the group sang, showering the group in sunlight. It was incredible to watch. After the service, food, music and conversation with local members continued for hours. Some relationships formed that day will continue long after we return home. Being witness to the events on this day was truly a blessing.

The smiling man holding a key in the photo below is the Chorale’s dear friend, Pastor Meinhof.

The weather here has defied my expectations- both yesterday and today have been gorgeous, allowing me both to get my daily dose of vitamin D and wear the new dress I bought (it’s the little things in life)!  Yesterday we spent the day in Dresden where we had an awesome walking tour and a free afternoon and evening.  We were able to spend some time in the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), one of the most beautiful churches I have seen, eat some delicious food, and enjoy the nightlife a bit.

As tour continues, I find myself being a bit tired and easily…. “frustrated”.  You can love people as much as possible, but spend nearly 2 weeks with them on a bus and your fuse may be shortened a bit, too.  My solution to this is to try and look at the bigger picture:  I am in GERMANY with my second family.  To waste emotional space being frustrated would be dumb- instead I’d rather wrap myself up in the music and let that be the focus of my energies.  Taking a big breath and remembering how blessed I am is the key to remaining optimistic and bubbly.  :)

It’s not very often that you randomly run into your mother in Germany: we were walking around yesterday in a market square and all of a sudden there was my mom!  We figured out the tram together (oh man- that was quite the feat, let me tell you) and also took shelter from the random rain shower…  All in all a great time.

Today we are heading back to Leipzig.  After running around cities that I’ve never been in (Meissen, Dresden, etc.), returning there will feel like coming home.  My plan for today is to finish the musical journey/path deal that I blogged about last week and possibly purchase  this pair of yellow flats I’ve had my eye on since day one.  By far, though, I am looking forward to seeing the performance of the St. Matthew Passion tonight by Bach Collegium Japan…  This will be three hours of bliss.  I definitely played my “musical nerd” card and brought my score.  Maybe Maestro Suzuki will sign it??  Hehehe.

I am trying to figure out how to just stay here…  Family, how would you feel about this life decision?

‘Til later,

Randi

Last night we finished the last of three concert performances with our dear friends of the Leipzig Baroque Orchestra. We will join with them once again in the St. Thomas Church on Saturday for a final performance of the cantata, Mit Fried und Freud (BWV 125). The Chorale will also get a final chance to perform all of its sacred repertoire. It is hard to believe, but this amazing journey is nearing its end.

At this point in our trip I am filled with thoughts of our friends with whom we have worked here in Germany. It is said that music expresses that which cannot be spoken, and I think we have felt deep connection to our musical collaborators, our partners in ministry here in Germany and those who have listened with such attention and enthusiaism to the Chorale. Any musician reading this will understand when I speak of the deep, unspoken connection that occurs in great music-making. This is the rarest of gifts. I feel so grateful to have had an opportunity to share this level of musical understanding. We have given three performances of BWV 125 this week — each has offered some new insight, a new and deeper emotional connection. What a thrill and blessing.

I have spoken about the Chorale and their high level of performance during this trip. I am really proud of them for a new and deeper maturity that has been proven through heart-felt and beautifully consistent performances.

And, I have to believe that the lessons learned through working with the LBO have also been powerful. These musicians give themselves to every performance with spontaneity, passion and energy. I know they inspire me and I rejoice that the members of the Chorale can collaborate with professional musicians in this way. I must especially mention the leadership of the concertmaster of the LBO, my friend Konstanze Beyer. Her attention to detail and ever-present musicality are amazing.  And she produces incredible results with a joyous and ebullient spirit.

As we approach the end of this trip, I am mindful of how music and the spirit provide a means to build bridges. We have not spent years and years getting to know any of the folks with whom we have worked closely during these days, but our connections to them are real and deep.  When words fail us, music and its message connect us to one another in a profound way. Thanks again for following us on this incredible journey.   Soli Deo Gloria!

We have just concluded a musical weekend that was so rich and so full of incredible highs that it is almost impossible to share….but I will try. More on that in a minute.

But first, the relationship. On Saturday Pres. Mark Heckler (Valparaiso University) and Pastor Christian Wolff (St. Thomas Church) signed a new agreement of friendship between the STC and VU. It has been ten years since I first began coming to Leipzig on a regular basis. In these ten years I have enjoyed the bounty of the musical life of the STC. Most especially I have admired the work of Pr. Wolff as he has guided the life of the congregation of the STC and given a special focus to the musical and spiritual legacy of the music of J.S. Bach. He is a true man of God and he has become a wonderful friend. So to watch Pr. Wolff and Pres. Heckler sign this agreement was an emotional and personally fulfiliing moment for me. And, I hope that I will bring many more students to the STC and that future generations will also benefit from this growing relationship.

Directly before the signing of the agreement the Chorale had sung their second service in as many days. Saturday is the day on which a cantata of JSB is sung….we performed BWV 129 – Gelobet sei der Herr, with our musical friends the Leipzig Baroque Orchestra. There are not words to describe the joy of conducting my own ensemble in the church of J.S Bach with a fantastic orchestra…..I have been blessed to do this now on a number of occasions and still everytime I conduct music in the STC I am utterly transported. I still cannot believe that I have been given such an opportunity.

This past weekend the Chorale sang from the altar room, from the steps at the entry to the altar room (directly in front of Bach’s grave) and the rear gallery. it was wonderful seeing and hearing them in each place in the room. They have performed at a wonderfully high level…I’d like to take some credit, but who wouldn’t be inspired to sing in such a space. Seeing their faces and feeling the depth of their commitment to the music and communicating its message. Wow. I am at many points overwhelmed by the experience and especially sharing it with the Chorale. Again, I feel blessed and honored…..

Thanks to those of you who are reading and occasionally sending along your coments. it is great to know that many of you are following the Chorale and offering your support from afar….I am grateful. New experiences this week — 3 concerts as we move toward a performance of the gorgeous BWV 125 (Mit Fried und Freud) next week at the STC for the Bach Fest. Blessings and Soli Deo Gloria.

Oh my goodness, today was such a fantastic day! We woke up quite early to head out from Leipzig, but the early rise was so worth it because we returned to Wittenberg and were welcomed by Pastor Meinhoff! On the last visit in 2010 we had the pleasure of joining with the small community in celebrating the dedication of a beautiful, humble little chapel, which apparently was the first to be built in that area since WWII. Last time we were there was incredibly moving and this return trip was just as, if not more so… So many people had gathered to share how we can be united through prayer and song.

After the little service and lovely dinner outside with everyone, some of the women of Wittenberg came over and wanted to sing some hymns that they knew with a few of us. Before I knew it, we were singing Amazing Grace, and then somehow succeeding, through what I can only describe as “Germglish,” in having a great conversation! One woman, Katie, told me she felt like her choir was her family, and I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment. Emails were exchanged between a few of us and I really hope we can stay in touch!