Great Music Heard at St. Mark's: Power - Madness - Virtuosity

Clara Schumann would have been happy to hear her music as it was performed last Sunday afternoon by the outstanding musicians above! Left to Right: Betsy Federman, Mary McKee, Melissa Pierson-Barrett and Lynne Radcliffe. Please plan to join us for the final concert in this series on March 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. (Please note the time change!) Thank you to these excellent musicians for a concert full of power and virtuosity. . .and, thankfully, very little madness!

Lutheridge Handbell Retreat

About fifteen of our handbell ringers attended the Lutheridge Handbell Retreat February 15 - 17 at Lutheridge in Arden, NC. We left early on Friday morning, realizing at the last minute that we had room for all of the people and our bells. . .but not enough room for luggage! Jane K. agreed to drive so we departed Jacksonville in three vehicles: the van driven by Larry T., an Escalade driven by Loree M., and the SUV driven by Jane. The next couple of days would hold great meals and fellowship together, nearly nine hours of intense rehearsal under our clinician Ed Tompkins, a Pictionary marathon, hastily rearranged sleeping arrangements (segrating those who snore from those who do not), and a final concert on Sunday morning after worship.

My thanks to Larry T. for making travel arrangements and leading rehearsals to help us prepare the music in advance. Thank you to the drivers and thank you to all who attended. It was nice to go away for the weekend and get to know each of you a little better. Several of you commented that previous directors never went to Lutheridge for the handbell retreat. All I can say is that they don't know what they were missing. Well, that and. . .when can we go again?

The Power of Music Chamber Music Series, Part II, Feb. 24th at 5:00 PM

"Performer as Composer"
In an era when women were not expected to compose, Clara Schumann, world - famous performing pianist, wife of Robert, and mother of seven children, miraculously found the time and inspiration to create worthy compositions. JSO Associate Concertmaster Melissa Pierson - Barrett, JSO cellist Betsy Federman, and pianist Mary McKee will perform Clara Schumann's Piano Trio in G minor. The program will also include miscellaneous miniatures of Clara Schumann.

The concert is free and all are welcome.
An offering will be taken.

Ellen Olson and Ruxandra Marquardt in Concert Feb. 26 at 7:30 PM

Ellen Olson sent me this announcement about an upcoming concerts. Ellen is a member of St. Mark's and it would be well worth your time to attend this event!

Battle Hymn of the Republic and a Prayer

Sue A. sent me a link to a wonderful rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic done by an elementary school choir, high school choirs and a band. If you can, open a link in another window then return here to read the prayer (page 77 in Evangelical Lutheran Worship):

http://www.trdaniel.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

Almighty God, we commend to your care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad, especially: Nick W., Chris R., Andrew C., Chris C., Chaplain Kay R., Jonathan V., Caleb W., Dr. Marc B., Loree L., and Brandon V. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that surround them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

The photo is of the United States of America flag that flies over the U.S.S. Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The Power of Music Returns! First Concert February 10th at 5 PM

Passion - Madness - Virtuosity
Descent to Despair
The series opens with baritone David Scheininger singing Robert Schumann's song cycle, Dichterliebe, (A Poet's Love) based on the poems of Heinrich Heine. The cycle begins joyfully and spirals downward, encapsulating the wide range of emotions expressed by the Romantics. This program includes commentary by JSA Music Education Program Managers Laura Dwyer and Lynne Radcliffe, as well as the first movement of Brahms' Sonata No. 1 for Flute and Piano in F minor (originally written for clarinet and piano) performed by Dwyer and Radcliffe.

All are invited. In lieu of an admission charge, a free-will offering will be taken.

If you would like to receive information about the other concerts in this series (Feb. 24th, March 10th), please send me your e-mail address!