Sharing My Day

I have just returned from a concert in the University Concert Hall. The Irish Chamber Orchestra and Choir performed Handel's Messiah. It was composed in London during the summer of 1741 and premiered in Dublin, Ireland on 13 April 1742. I brought my score with me to Ireland in hopes of finding a choir to sing with or a community sing along. I haven't given up hope. But tonight I took it with me to the concert and joyfully followed along. If I am correct, when the Messiah is performed this time of the year in the States, it is usually only the first part that is performed and the concert typically ends with the Hallelujuah Chorus. During tonight's performance all three sections were sung. Much of it was new to me, so having the score was particularly helpful for understanding the text.

The soloists were wonderful and the bass was particularly outstanding. Well it was just a thrill to sit and listen to such beautiful music and superb musicianship. I sat in my seat in the mezzanine and at one point thought, what a perfect day. I started with a full day of chant class and was on a high because what has been such a struggle is with a great deal of work getting easier for me. So we sang almost all day and then I went to a concert. I would like my life to be filled full time with music. But I won't be greedy. I feel so blessed for this special day.

Tomorrow is my last chant class for the semester. I have one meeting next week...did I tell you I am the class rep? I guess it has it's priveledges because I have been invited to a short meeting followed by a reception with faculty and staff. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet some of the people I have only seen in passing in the building cafe or in the halls.The Irish World Academy has a relatively small faculty of highly accomplished musicians,dancers, and scholars. Their research and teaching is sustaining the Irish culture of music and dance for generations to come. It is just a priveledge to be a student here.

So it is late and off I go to sleep. I hope that your day has also been rewarding and fulfilling.

Sending love from Glocca Morra.