Page 2 - Music Brochure Fall 2020

MUSIC THAT MAKES OUR SOULS SING
Ruth Beresford Rector
Long ago when the people of Israel were taken into exile as captives of the Babylonians, they hung up their harps, their song silenced by
the strangeness of the land and the distance from the Temple of God’s presence. Now, though the land hasn’t changed and God’s presence is close at hand, most songs have been stilled to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus. Yet we did not silence or end all our music-making. Just a month ago, a member of the parish told me she came into the church for the first time since the lockdown in March. It so happened that Bruce Barber was practicing the organ, but for her, the music made the church come alive and her soul sang to be there again.
So many of our traditions and usual customs have changed, but we still worship God, sing praises safely, and give thanks heartily for the gift of God’s life-giving, liberating, and loving presence in Jesus Christ. Whether you are able to be with us in person or online, we will continue to offer music that makes our souls sing.
I am so very pleased to share with you the program for the ministry of music at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in the coming year.
LETTY DOWNS MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Letty Downs
One of the great blessings at Christ Church is the Letty Downs Musician in Residence program. The Musician in Residence program began in 1983 and brings a world-renowned musician to Christ Church each year. And, what stellar people we have had working in our midst: Stephen Cleobury, Gerre Hancock, Sir Philip Ledger, James Litton, Andrew Lumsden, Philip Moore, James O’Donnell, Simon Preston, Christopher Robinson, John Rutter, and Sir David Willcocks. All have rehearsed and directed the Christ Church Choir; some have presented lectures, seminars, and organ recitals; and others have included a premiere or a commission. With great thanks to Letty Downs’ vision, with the official endowment being established in 2011, and the generous support of the Letty Downs Musician in Residence Fund, we continue this tradition today. Due to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, we will not welcome a Musician in Residence in the 2020-21 season. However, we are hoping to do so in the 2021-22 season. This great musical legacy will continue.