Dear Ones,
♫♪ It has been a tremendous musical JOY to revisit Dvořák’s Requiem mass with North Carolina Master Chorale the past two months preparing our forthcoming concert. Sixteen years ago we performed this work and now–16 years older and wiser–and me with a love and gratitude for the medicine that is music STRONGER than ever– we will perform this work at Meymandi Concert Hall at the Progress Energy Center in Raleigh, next Tuesday March 3 at 7.30.
Requiem masses are written and dedicated to the deceased. This particular Requiem was finished in 1890 and carries a courageous joy at the heart of the work, equally triumphant and powerful yet different than other Requiems. Listening to the male voices, particularly, this past week at rehearsal I was literally moved to tears.
During rehearsals I found myself contemplating the Latin-to-English translations more than I ever have in preparing a non-English work. I aspire to more deeply connect with the lyrics alongside the music to honor my own sadness and grief and beautiful memories, hoping the Requiem will work some musical medicinal healing on my hurting heart.
I sing this Requiem with great affection for two of my beautiful friends (((Joanne and Robin))) we lost in the last 9 months. I know deeply that Lux Aeterna –the perpetual light of God– shines for them, on them, and with them as it shines also for all our beloved friends and family who have left this physical plane. May they rest in peace.
Tickets are available at the door or online at http://www.ncmasterchorale.org . It will be a beautiful evening of inspiring music –I’m a bit jealous of the audience. ♫♪
with much love and music,
becky xoxo
ɛïɜ let your SOUL shine ɛïɜ 
Sympathy for your loss. Listening to a version performed in Chartres Cathedral on 6 September 2002 since I won’t be in NC for your performance.