Masterworks Singers Newsletter Spring 2026 No. 33
Dear People,
Welcome Home Masterworks Singers! (I'm not quite sure about Nigel and Patricia... they may still be abroad)
I never would have imagined that the following lyrics would be so very true, but my pride and gratitude lead me to remind all of you.....
"Resilience, We Are Strong!
Shoulder To Shoulder Keep Movin' On... Resilence..."
For those who traveled... you understand how appropriate that lyric is!!
For those of you who were supporters, I thank you for singing those words so convincingly earlier in the year!!
From the very first moments of the tour, being a companion
traveler with Father Lou, gave Polly and I such confidence that our Good Creator Lord was going to take care of us. As each hour passed in those first two days, our prayers intensified for the safety of the travelers who were delayed and diverted. Like anxious parents we kept asking the questions of fellow travelers who knew the stories of everyone who was diverted and delayed. What a relief when everyone was in the hotel and able to be in rehearsal!!
Luggage? Schmuggage!!! So many showed the resilience of coping with adversity. Some even enduring the whole trip with no luggage! But did that stop folks? No... the thrift stores were discoverd and shared among those who needed them! Again, pride of all in this group for the caring and sharing that was exhibited day after day.
Weather? We're from Texas!! Yes, it was HOT! Record breaking, and dangerously HOT. But yet... miracles were to abound... In our Grand Concert and rehearsal day...with over 500 performers and 1300 people in attendance in the Basilica... NOT ONE person fainted! God is so protective!
The performance element of this tour far surpassed the imagined
size and scope. A true honor to perform an International Premiere of a major work with a Conservatory orchestra in a historic and sacred space! So proud of all of YOU!
The faces and reactions of the congregation and later the audience in our Mass and Concert in Lisieux will remain in my memory forever. Your musicianship shone in that beautiful basilica, and the result was an audience
that was visibly moved. Gratitude!!
What a memorable moment in Caen when we concluded by singing in a harmonious circle around our families and the attendants from the Mass. Staff members of the tour company moved to tears ...even while they joined in the singing! The true, the good, and the beautiful were present as the Holy Spirit inspired us all.
The chills and the tears we experienced at the American Cemetery in Normandy as the wreath was laid, and the National Anthem sung.... unforgettably powerful!!
So many thanks... First... to each and every one in this organization. Singers, family, friends, supporters... we are all community in the truest sense of the
word.
Thanks to... my dear wife Polly.. who kept me straight when my mind was so overfilled. Thanks to Father Lou for elevating our experience to the level of a pilgrimage. Thanks to Sue who played so beautifully even though the instruments were a challenge. Thanks to our trio of organists, Jean, Mark and Vincent, for their talents in making amazing beauty on instruments they had never
seen and had to learn in just minutes. Thanks to Earl for all the hard work to create the learning tracks.. over and over... what a gift. Thanks to Colwyn and Luna, who helped in so many ways as our travel consultants. And thanks to the lady who always keeps everyone together... the glue... the ideas that make it easy to be organized... and the keeper of the answers to all the questions whenever they arise... Ms. Amber!
These are just a few of the many thanks. I could go on and on with remarks to each of you, but I know you will be receiving my hug around your neck that will be the most sincere thanks I can muster.
I must not forget to thank all of the members who are travelers who go all the way back to the origins of this ensemble. I call
them respectively the Caring Ones who Relate to Everyone!! Yes... the CORE! Please, those of you who are in that body of long-timers, keep on leading by example, so that the newer members and those who will become new members, will always feel the welcome that is the heart of the building of this choir.
We will begin rehearsals again in August. The Major work for the Fall will be REQUIEM by Taylor Scott Davis. We performed his Magnificat two seasons ago with many warm responses from our audiences. Now we will present his newest major work as the Central Texas premiere, in November, the month of the Holy Souls. Stay tuned to your email for the announcement as to when the first rehearsal will be.
Please,... everyone in this organization,... continue to spread the word of this community of musicians. We always welcome new members. All that is necessary is a love of music and a desire to participate.
AND A FINAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT AND REQUEST
Mark Stern, our web master, asks all travelers to send him their best pictures of the tour. He is making a digital photo album for all to see.
He asks for the photos to be texted to him at...
512-853-0500.
OR
To email them to him at...
[email protected]
He also wants me to remind
those who do not want a photo of themselves featured in the photo album, to please reach out to him and he will make sure to remove any of those photos.
This reminder is here in the Newsletter. Mark will probably send one more reminder on the tour WhatsApp in a few more days.
Thank you all!! I
love you all very much!! I can't wait to make music together again soon!!
