Masterworks Singers Newsletter Spring 2026 No. 29 

Dear People,

Thank you so much for last evening. The improvement from last week shows your continued commitment. 

MOST IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Rehearsals Next Tuesday June 9 AND Thursday June 11. These rehearsals have been on the schedule.  I apologize I did not make a verbal reminder last night.  The next time we meet is TUESDAY, JUNE 9, next week.
• NOW...A NEW FINAL REHEARSAL:  MONDAY, JUNE 15, 7 pm in the Sanctuary. It is clear that one more rehearsal will be beneficial for everyone's confidence on the music for the Post Mass concerts as well as the liturgical music for the Masses.  Please mark this new extra rehearsal on your calendars.  I realize a few of the travelers might already be in transit. However, let's everyone give their best effort to make this new final rehearsal time.
• Colwyn reminds those who are arriving on June 20, that he needs the flight numbers of the people for which he did not book flights.  Arrangements are being made for group bus transfers to the Hotel from CDG.  It is important to get all that flight info to Colwyn immediately. 
• Amber is creating the WhatsApp group.  We will be using the singing tour members' phone numbers to include in this group.  She will create this group next week.  It is important that she have the correct cell phone number.  If your number has changed since the latest registration in January, please let her know.

AND NOW SOME HANDY DANDY TIPS ALL IN ONE PLACE

PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to a folder with the collated "PARIS TIPS" from Martha Zornes in one PDF, and the supplement "TIPS" from Michael Saclolo in a separate PDF. Tremendous thanks to these two for their amazing work!!

A final word for today... we are getting close to this wonderful experience! Please keep a lookout in your email for Newsletters to probably come each day over the next days with "NEWS OF THE DAY".

Here is the information you have been patiently waiting!

PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to a 22 page tour packet from Perform International.  

This packet contains a full itinerary and other important information!!

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I had a lovely conversation with Sarah Chapman when I received this tour packet.  Here are some points from our conversation.

• Everyone will be receiving this document in a personal email from Sarah Chapman.
• In this upcoming email, you will have instructions and links to download the document in various ways.
• There will also be an App that you can download that will have all the tour info and itinerary for our particular trip.  This app will be live throughout our travels and will be updated with any important info that might be changed.
• We also talked about the News story of the planned Strike of workers at Charles de Gaulle Airport on June 18.  She advised that sometimes these are resolved before they actually occur.  She did advise everyone to stay in touch with your individual airlines to keep up with any changes.

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This coming Thursday's rehearsal will cover the Skevington O Be Joyful, plus the tour music, and we will run the hymns and responses for the two Masses.  

We will also run Movements 1, 2 and 3 of Aeterna Via to keep it fresh... so therefore, the folks who are "Paris only" please plan on making these last three rehearsals!   

So please ... everyone get in some good practice time on the O Be Joyful! Earl has worked his magic and has updated the practice tracks with the changes we made last rehearsal.  Please get so comfortable with all the notes and rhythms, so that we can polish to a good performance.

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PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SPECIAL TOUR PAGE on Edublogs for Scores,  Lists  and NOW, additional Learning Tracks!!!.

Here you will find the music we will begin rehearsing tomorrow.  All of these special pieces have been performed as tour music before.  A good number of singers will know these well.  Learning will be quick for the new folks.

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To clarify: 

These first rehearsals are mainly for those who are doing the full tour.  Those who are only doing the Festival portion in Paris need only know the Aeterna Via, O Love, and You Do Not Walk Alone.

All members, including those who are not touring, are welcome to come to all the rehearsals. In fact, it is recommended because it helps the learning process for new members.

Important Note: All Touring members will rehearse during the final two rehearsals where we will review the Festival Music before touring!!  June 9 and June 11, both at 7:00 pm at St. Theresa Sanctuary.

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TO ALL PARIS TRAVELERS... YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SARAH CHAPMAN ASKING FOR YOUR FLIGHT INFORMATION. PLEASE GO LOOKING FOR THAT EMAIL AND RESPOND SOON.

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ALERT TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE YOUR RESERVATIONS THROUGH COLWYN DUNLAP...

HE HAS ALREADY GIVEN YOUR INFO TO PERFORM INTERNATIONAL.

HE WILL BE ASKING FOR THE TRAVELERS HE HAS SCHEDULED IF THEY WISH TO HAVE A SHUTTLE FROM CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL. MORE INFO ON THAT AT REHEARSAL ON THURSDAY.

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026

Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc.  Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple.  For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.

Paris tip No. 14 – Eglise Saint-Sulpice (Our concert church) 

If you are a fan of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, you have heard of Eglise Saint-Sulpice which plays a prominent role with his reference to the “Rose line” in the protagonist’s search for the Holy Grail. When you are in the church for our concert, look for the plaque with information outlining actual facts vs fiction from the book.

Our concert will be held in this the second largest cathedral in Paris.  This church is located in the 6^th Arrondissement.  It is dedicated to Sulpitius the Pious, a 7^th century bishop of Bourges, a small town in the Loire Valley. Sulpitius the Pious was the chaplain of King Clotaire II and spent his life in poverty converting local Gauls.

  Construction of the building began in 1646, influenced by the Baroque architectural style.  It was the third building on the site as it was erected over a Romanesque church originally constructed during the 13^th century. Before that, there was a 9^th century structure on the site. During construction over the next nearly 100 years, different architects and designers made changes to the original designs and facades to reflect the design concepts of the time. The church is renowned for its massive organ, considered one of the finest in Europe with over 7300 pipes, 102 speaking stops, 5 keyboards of 56 notes, and a pedalboard of 30 notes. It is also known for its famous frescos, murals, and statues. Murals in the Chapel of the Angels by Eugène Delacroix depict biblical scenes with vivid colors and detailed storytelling. These were painted between 1854 and 1861, There are beautiful stained-glass windows and 11 smaller chapels within the church in addition to the expanse of the main aisles and altar.

An interesting feature can be seen when one looks at the church from the front.  The two towers do not match. Construction was occurring during a time of much upheaval in Paris.  Architecture plans changed several times depending on who was in charge.  The North tower stands at 240 feet while the South Tower reaches 223 feet.  Ther original design was Baroque but eventually became a more neoclassical style after the 1789 French Revolution.

During the French revolution when Christianity was suppressed, the church became a place of worship for the Robespierrean Cult of the Supreme Being.  Printed words can still be seen above the center door of the main entrance indicating that the Frence people recognize the Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.  Despite this “repurposing”, the church was damaged by looting, vandalism of royal tombs, and deliberate erasure of monarchical and religious inscriptions.

For more information and pictures, go to the church website at https://www.paroissesaintsulpice.paris

A NOTABLE TRAVEL TIP FROM MICHAEL S.

I have a suggested Paris tip (in case this is not projected to be one of them).  It may be one that is too soon to put in the newsletter, but it's also something that would be useful to know a bit ahead of time.

In case you don't know, June 21st, summer solstice, is always the day for "Fête de la Musique" all over France (and many parts of the world).  It's a big thing in France, having experienced it myself a few times in different French cities. There will be A LOT of FREE (many open air and somewhat informal) concerts all over the place--probably at major plazas,  squares, or parks.

This year, June 21st falls on a Sunday, two days before the Tuesday Hagenberg Gala Concert. According to the basic choir trip schedule, it looks like there are rehearsals Sunday morning and evening for the concert, but in between there is "sightseeing" time, though I am not sure if that's on our own or as a group.

I guess my tip would be to be prepared for (more) crowds in the city on that day and not overplan if there is '"on our own time." Especially if one wants to experience the vibe of the music festival all around. Also, there is not usually a single (universal) website that lists every possible event connected to the Fête (there may be several or may appear much later--and currently not all is set), so for me personally, I'd be as flexible as possible when planning for things to do that day (outside of rehearsals).

I hope this helps.

Michael

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THE INFO BELOW THIS LINE IS THE SAME AS PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS.

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 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS PLEASE READ:

• The rehearsals for the France tour additional music will begin on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 pm.  
• The full final rehearsal schedule will be: Thursday, May 21...Thursday May 28, Thursday, June 4, Tuesday, June 9, and Thursday, June 11.
• The music for the Mass parts and acclamations, plus several pieces which have been tour "staples" will be posted on Edublogs for you to download, and rehearse with recordings and tracks.  
• Today is "moving equipment back" day.  The postings on Edublogs will be up soon but not just yet today.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT RECORDING

Due to Aeterna Via not being fully published, we are only allowed to keep our recording up live until tomorrow.  After that it will still be available but will need to be made private.

The recording is up for listening at https://masterworkssingers.org/

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CHECK OUT THIS NEW SPOKEN VERSION IN FRENCH OF JE VOUS SALUE FOR CONTINUED STUDY

I know that many of who have studied French have been helping each other with pronunciation.

Two of our own, Marni and Jenny, have collaborated on some points.  We now made a spoken recording for your assistance.  

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO A SPOKEN MP3 OF 

JE VOUS SALUE

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CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE CONCERT POSTER IN PDF 

Note: when you access the poster in Dropbox, there is no need to sign up for Dropbox, you may simply use the Download feature and Download the poster to your computer. 

Please share this poster in both hard copy, and in digital copy through emails.

This is an example of the post card. The full size poster is at the bottom of this Newsletter, and can be printed on 8.5x11 or 11x17.

  CLICK HERE TO GO TO EDUBLOGS SITE. 

The focus for THURSDAY AT ST CATHERINE'S : 

"Let your face shine with confidence and energy". 

All my love to my friends who make music together!!

A REMINDER...  For archives of earlier Newsletters...    

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE.

REQUESTED PRACTICE AND REHEARSAL  GOALS  

• Open minds and ears to the mixed formation.
• Confidence in all parts
• The attitude of "Singing WITH Someone"... 
• The awareness mode is truly a wonderful heightened sense of concentration, that musicians and athletes strive to stay in.  Allow yourself the luxury of being in the moment and making music WITH someone else... not in isolation.
• Positivity... Yes... Joy... Wonder... Beauty
• Use your imagination to place yourself in the "Story"... 

REGISTRATION INFO FOR SPRING 2026

We are requesting that you register for the Spring Semester and pay your dues by clicking on the Link below.  You will be taken to a Google Document that allows you to pay your semester dues by credit card.

If you cannot register in this manner, please plan on arriving early on Thursday evening to pay by cash, check or credit card.

You will be picking up hard copy scores on Thursday evening.  There are digital scores available for all music on Edublogs... EXCEPT FOR Aeterna Via the new major work. Everyone will be receiving a professionally printed hard copy score of Aeterna Via.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to a Google Doc to complete your registration and payment online.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2026

PERFORMANCE NUMBER ONE:  SUNDAY EVENING, MAY 3, 2026 

TIME: 7:30 PM    CALL TIME: 6:00 PM

PLACE:  ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH SANCTUARY

4311 SMALL DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731

PERFORMANCE NUMBER TWO:  THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 7, 2026

TIME:  7:30 PM.   CALL TIME: 6:00 PM

PLACE:  ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA CATHOLIC CHURCH SANCTUARY 

4800 CONVICT HILL RD., AUSTIN, TEXAS 78749

REHEARSALS FOR PERFORMANCES IN JUNE (SEE SCHEDULE ABOVE). MASSES AND CONCERTS IN PARIS, NORMANDY AND LISIEUX.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2026.

NOTE IMPORTANT NEW CALL TIME FOR SINGERS ON SATURDAY MAY 2.... 9:00 AM  FOR JE VOUS SALUE

REGULAR REHEARSALS: THURSDAY EVENINGS, 7:00 PM, ST. THERESA SANCTUARY. (Some rehearsals may occur in other buildings on campus but will be announced)

DRESS REHEARSALS FOR PERFORMANCE ONE:

THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 30, 7:00 PM, ST. THERESA SANCTUARY

SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 2, 9:00 AM, ST. THERESA  SANCTUARY

REHEARSAL FOR PERFORMANCE TWO:

DURING THE CALL TIME OF THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 7.

WE WILL RESUME REHEARSALS AFTER PERFORMANCE NUMBER TWO FOR THE TOUR.

REGULAR REHEARSAL TIME ON THURSDAY EVENINGS AT 7 PM. 

ST. THERESA SANCTUARY.   MAY 21, MAY 28, JUNE 4, JUNE 9,

AND JUNE 11.

LINK TO EDUBLOGS SITE FOR SCORES 

AND REHEARSAL AIDES

PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to the Edublogs site.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FILLED THE QUESTIONNAIRE REQUESTING THE GROUP CHARTER OFFERED BY PERFORM INTERNATIONAL PLEASE READ

THANK YOU to those of you who have shown interest in the Group Flight offered by Perform International.  We are still waiting to confirm as we are still needing to get a critical number of interests.

HOWEVER, we have one of our members, Colwyn Dunlap, who is a licensed travel agent.  Colwyn is investigating rates that are less expensive than the Perform International quote.  I will be forwarding the names and contact info of the members who have signed our initial questionnaire.  Colwyn will then be in contact to ask some specific questions and hopefully save you some significant money.

Colwyn will be glad to talk to you about your individual situation and is willing to assist you. 

 
Blessings and Gratefulness,

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