Houston MasterWorks Chamber Ensemble

Sunday afternoon we went to see Sarah perform with the Houston MasterWorks Chamber Ensemble at Christ the King Church across from Rice Stadium. There were about 20 singers and around 100 people. I don't think the church could hold much more than 500 people so it was very intimate and their voices filled the chapel.

The theme was "And Say to All the World, Chants and songs: In Remembrance", inspired by the tsunami and war in Iraq. The program was a mix of readings and songs.

My favorite reading was called the Litany of Remembrance although favorite might not be the right word for the mix of joy and sadness that comes with losing someone you love.

In the rising of the sun and its going down,

We remember them.

In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,

We remember them.

In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,

We remember them.

In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,

We remember them.

In the beginning of the year and when it ends,

We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart,

We remember them.

So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us,

We remember them.

My favorite musical piece of the night was "O Vos Omnes" by Tomas Luis da Vittoria (1548-1611).

Susan and I are so very proud that Sarah is singing in the chorus and in this ensemble. It appears that the ensemble is usually filled by try-outs but Sarah was invited to participate by the director.