A Lovely Day in Wilkes-Barre

A Lovely Day in Wilkes-Barre

Psalm 100

Dear reader: The following is an accounting of a most wondrous day I had on Sunday, the 28th of October 2007. Several weeks before I was made aware the Winchester Cathedral Choir was going to be on tour in America. I had read a review in the Yahoo group, “Voices of Angels” by a British acquaintance of mine and was very impressed by it. This person was also kind enough to post the itinerary for their tour. I was surprised to see they would be performing in an old coal-mining town in North East Pennsylvania by the name of Wilkes-Barre at St. Stephens Pro Cathedral [Episcopal]. I was a bit hesitant about going at first, but after a lot of prodding from both British and American friends, I relented and said I would go. The first thing I did was to contact the church where they would be performing and inquired about tickets. A choir member of that church contacted me and the arrangements were made. I had also stated I wished to make a day of it and would like to join them for morning worship. To this I received a very warm welcome. I had also decided to get a copy of Libera’s album, “Angel Voices” and present it to this choir member as a thank you for the hospitality that was given to me.

The Morning of the 28th dawned bright and sunny and by 08:00 I was off. After making a mistake and getting on I-476 South instead of North [oops] I was finally on my way. The drive up was uneventful and I’m glad for it gave me a chance to admire God’s handy work with the beautiful Autumnal colors.

I finally arrived in Wilkes-Barre and after some messing about getting a parking place I was inside the Church. It is a beautiful sanctuary with modern lighting giving it a bright, airy feel and look. This is the second building on this site. The first church burned down in 1896 I’m told. It is of brick construction and it seems to be in good repair. They have a newly reordered Organ that is just magnificent in it’s sound. If you go to my “Myspace” page, you will see pictures of it and the sanctuary.
The service started in a very true Anglican tradition with a Verger leading the procession. This is something that is more commonly done here in America than I first thought. We started with Hymn 665; “My hope on God is founded” followed by a “Gloria” by William Mathias. The choir sang the Psalm to an “Anglican Chant” by Hubert H. Parry [lovely]. The Sequence Hymn preceding the reading of the gospel was Hymn 636; “How firm a foundation”.
For the offertory, the choir sang “Jubilate Deo” in C by Benjamin Britten. As you might expect this was very nicely done. For the communion presentation, we sang Hymn 301;” Bread of the world in mercy broken”. During the communion preparation, we also sang a “Sanctus and Benedictus”, again by William Mathias. This was done to a tune that I sing every Sunday, but to a somewhat slower tempo. We also sang an “Agnus Dei”, again by Mathias. For the communion hymns, we sang Hymn 325; “Let us break bread together on our knees” and 313; “Let thy blood in mercy poured”. The recessional hymn was 438; “Tell my soul”. Over all, the service was very nice with a very good sermon delivered by the Reverend Daniel Gunn.

After the service, I was invited to socialise with the others. The choir member whom had been in contact with got a hold of me and made arrangements for me to have lunch with them before the concert. She had warned me the talk would be pre-concert talk, but I assured her that would not be a problem. When lunch was served I was in for a big surprise, it seems the folks from Winchester Cathedral were having lunch with us as well. After some introductions to the Choir Director, The Head Master of the School and his lovely wife as well as some of the Adult Choir members and chaperon’s, we sat down and had lunch. I had asked if I could take photos of the event and was very graciously given permission on the premise they would not be published on the web to which I agreed. I was later to take several formal photos of the choir in their robes and I was given permission to post these.

During the course of our lunch, I had a nice chat with the choir member who was my host. I had my MP3 player with me and I let her hear the “Gloria” as done by Libera. I know it’s not a very good copy of it, but when the final note was sung, she got a big smile on her face and remarked on how easily the child who sang that final note went right to the top with ease. I might point out here, I had given my host the copy of the Libera album and sadly, as I thought, they had never heard of them. Hopefully, this situation is now fixed.

After lunch, I went and walked about the town a bit and when I got back, I asked if there was a place I could rest for a while. I was told to go to a room where there are sofas and to just go ahead and lie down if I wished. No sooner than I got seated, a bunch of noisy kids came storming in the room and that of course, took care of any ideas of taking a nap. The adult choir members and the chaperones soon followed them. I was to find out, the Headmaster’s wife is also the Child Protection Officer. With the other adults in the room [I was never told I had to leave] I inquired about the CD’s that would be for sale and I was led to a lady who took care of me. I then asked if I could get the CD’s autographed and after consultation with the Choir Director, was given permission to do so. The Headmasters wife took care of it in short order. After a bit, the Winchester Choir started to get ready for the concert, so I excused my self and went to the table where the tickets were being sold and bought mine.

I might point out here; I had many conversations with people from both the U.S.A. and Great Britain. I found all to be just lovely people who were very open and welcoming. As per normal, the British I met that day were very warm and friendly towards me. As I have always said, I have never met a Brit I didn’t like even if there are a few that have tried my patience. Of course, I realise, this is a two edged sword. The British I met were surprised at my knowledge of their country and were flattered that I consider it my “adopted country” It’s no secret of my love for the land and it’s people.

Finally, 4 O’clock rolled around, and the concert started. The Choir began with “Cantantibus organis, by Peter Phillips [1560 –1628]. We then heard the “Ave Maria” by Robert Parsons [d 1570] followed by “Laudibus in sanctis” by William Byrd [1535- 1623]. To be Honest, I have never heard this music before, as I am a newcomer to Treble Voice Music. I am, however, bit awed by the way the Cathedral tradition is able to bring this very old music alive. We then heard a rendition of J.S. Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in C” done very nicely with Sahara Baldock performing. Then we were treated to “Three Motets” by Charles Villiers Stanford [1852 – 1924]. I am becoming something of a fan of Stanford’s music and I really enjoy it. For the final song of the first half, we were treated to “Antiphon” by Ralph Vaughn Williams [1872 – 1958] I was very impressed how the choir kept the very driving rhythm going with a great deal of precision. Ms. Baldock provided perfect accompaniment on the organ with the same precision, which, of course, made for a spectacular sound.

After the intermission, the choir started with “My beloved spake” by Patrick Hadley [1899- 1973]. This was then followed by ”From songs of Farewell” by C. Hubert Parry [1848 – 1918]. All of this was just simply grand with the choir in top form. From here we heard “There is an old Belief” J. G. Lockhart? Followed by “The Spirit of the Lord” by Sir Edward Elgar [1857 – 1934] Typical of Elgar’s music, I found this to be a lovely piece that was tastefully done.
We were treated to “Organ Fete” by Jean Langlais [1907 – 1991]. For this piece, Ms. Baldock removed her robe so she would have the freedom to play. It is an exciting piece with a lot of energy [with somewhat stentorian volume] and it was very well done, I might add

We then heard from the choir “Five Spirituals”, Michael Tippett [1905 –1998] I know your not going to like this but I’m sorry, I didn’t care for it. The Winchester Choir’s performance was otherwise perfect from a technical point of view. But to me, it was lacking a certain “emotion” I’m used to hearing from regular Gospel Choirs. This, however, is a matter of personal taste. I’m sure there will be many who will argue with me on this point and in no way do I mean my remarks to be derogatory to the Winchester Cathedral Choir.

For the last number, the choir did “God is gone up” by Gerald Finzi [1901 – 1956]. I have never heard this before, but I will say, it was very nice with an excellent presentation. The choir was then given a standing ovation by the 500 or so attendees after which we were given for an encore, “Lux Aurmuque” by Eric Whitaker. This piece is also new to me and I was surprised of how the Trebles maintained a note that travels just about all of the way through this piece. It was kept with perfect pitch and strength. I would say these boys are very well trained in their art by a world-class director.

There was another standing ovation after which we adjourned for refreshments. It was at this time the director allowed another and me to take several formal photos of the choir. This was very gracious of him to allow this. We finally made it to refreshments and had a good time chatting about the concert and thanking the Winchester Cathedral Choir for a lovely performance. I also thanked the British adults and the staff of St . Stephen’s for the hospitality and courtesies that were given to me. I had said the next time I was in Great Britain I would look them up and the response was, “Please come to Evensong sometime, we would love to have you”. This of course, made the trip and money spent for the day worth it. I know they were being polite, but you know, a few words of kindness have always been a good tonic for my bouts of depression.

I was able to chat some with the choir member of St. Stephens who was my host and when we departed, it wasn’t with a halfhearted handshake, but rather a warm hug and I gave her a small kiss. The time came for me to go so I bade my new acquaintances farewell and went home with my soul soothed in knowledge there is a God who is very much alive and well, if we let him live in our hearts.

Blessings and Peace, Terry

PS: I was home in ninety minutes flat; A distance of 90 miles ;)

Two years later, I was able to attend an Evensong at Winchester Cathedral I spoke with the then director Dr. Andrew Lumsden and after a brief reminder, he remebered me. It was a very nice but short meeting and, it was good to see him again.