“Yes, I have.” “But aren’t you writing any longer?” “Well, not as much.” “It’s just that you’d mentioned a third novel in the Laguna series. Think you’ll write it?” Conversations like this happen fairly often. You get known for doing one thing and people expect you’re going to always do that. After all, don’t you … READ MORE…
We have lots of traditional shots of the choir for the Evensong last week of Christmas lessons and carols (see them here). But here are some more candid shots of those listening to the music.
Dear Friends, It is bittersweet to announce my farewell recital from St. Paul’s Cathedral. I have learned such a tremendous breadth of knowledge from Canon Green over the course of my tenure here and regret that I will not be able to continue to learn from him and work with the wonderful choirs here. Having … READ MORE…
Dear Friends, I am so thrilled to be announcing this July’s recital series at St. Paul’s Cathedral. At a time when many organizations are slowing down for summer vacation, we are so happy to be filling in the gap with beautiful music on the newly-restored Quimby pipe organ. This coming month we will be hosting … READ MORE…
Quimby Workshops In late June I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Quimby Pipe Organ’s shops in person. In this article, I’ll take you along with me as best I can on my time spent there alongside some of the most talented pipe organ craftsmen in the United States. The Quimby Pipe Organ (QPO) facility … READ MORE…
The New York Times had an article this week about Dr Carol Williams, St Paul’s organist in residence, and the civic organist of San Diego. You may recall a vigorous discussion in the city about whether San Diego can afford to pay the organist. Says the NY Times, SAN DIEGO — On the best days, … READ MORE…
Thank you! The Campaign Committee wishes to express its profound gratitude to all who have a made a pledge to the campaign thus far. We received a flurry of new pledges last week in response to the Dean’s request to turn pledges in by the end of June. In addition to the well over 200 … READ MORE…
You may think that I’m going to tell you about why I think it is important to give to Perfecting our Praises in the context of the need to support our music program. And maybe, peripherally, I am. But I really want to talk about three virtues that I perceive in our common life at … READ MORE…
As a part of our organ campaign, I am glad to be here to speak for a couple of minutes about the power of this organ and music in general. Music has surrounded me my whole life but it wasn’t until the terminal cancer of my step father that I realized its power and importance. … READ MORE…
This fascinating article from the Huffington Post by a neuroscientist discusses how music affects us in the same way as religion does. The author describes his own experience as a reverent non-believer. Many people, myself included, experience a religious-type awe when listening to certain pieces of music. What exactly is the relationship between music and … READ MORE…