Perceptive Insight 14

"In 1912, the London Symphony Orchestra was the first British orchestra to visit the United States, only narrowly avoiding travelling on the Titanic."

WNYC - Soundtracking Surgery

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We all know music has unexplainable benefits/use for our daily lives. This program discussed using music in the surgery room and hospitals:

WNYC - Soundcheck: Soundtracking Surgery (January 08, 2010)

My response:

"Such a fascinating subject. As a conductor of a variety of styles (including some contemporary rock/pop, theater & film music as well as classical), I find it intriguing that music has so far not played a more integral part in all our lives. The psychological, emotional and physical benefits of PARTICIPATING in music (listening as well as performing) far outweigh our understanding... so why don't we embrace it in everyday life? I like that Dr Conrad is formalizing reasons why we should.

"Some of my concerns, however, are not just bad associations (the reason why someone died whilst listening to a particular song could be interpreted a number of different ways) but using music to lull people into unconsciousness - such as Mozart. I'm afraid that we have a generation of children who will fall asleep whenever they hear the slow movement of a Mozart symphony or concerto when, in fact, they are missing out on an incredible aural, emotional & meditative journey! There are also dangers in using music to subdue (or inspire) behaviour as a background medium - in shopping malls, stores, and even public lavatories!

"We should remember: There's more to music than music. Isaac Stern is reported to have said, "Playing music in America you feel like you're selling a luxury item. But in England you're providing a necessity." Maybe he's right - maybe in the USA we should incorporate music into our lives far more than we do. It is obvious that certain music works to everyone's benefit in the hospital environment. Well done!"

Perceptive Insight 5

In 1936 Sir John Barbirolli was appointed conductor of the Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York (now the New York Philharmonic) in succession to Arturo Toscanini. After six months Toscanini returned to conduct a concert. He said to Barbirolli, "John, my orchestra is just as I left it." Barbirolli's contract was then renewed for a further two years.

Orchestral Common Sense?

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What's this? Someone again talking common sense? Perhaps our failed economic structure prompts the publication of the murmuring quiet undertones amongst those who see reality.

Good on yer, Mr. Kaiser! Raise that question mightily high.

Does the Symphonic Orchestra Model Work?

Not financially, is the answer. Solution? I have some ideas, but nothing anyone would ever take seriously, particularly as there are unions involved on all sides. Hmmm. Therein lies its own problems, perhaps.

Perceptive Insight

"Playing music in America you feel you're selling a luxury item. But in England you're providing a necessity"
Isaac Stern, 1983

Are you nuts?

If an unresounding "YES!", then you'll fit right in to what built the great USA (before the 21st C financial corporate moguls took over)!! Read on, dear fellow freaks:

The heart of The Hypomanic Edge [by John Gartner] is case studies of a few of our most potent nutters. Appropriately it begins with a true crazy ... Christopher Columbus. ... Here's how Dr Gartner concludes:
"America has been good to hypomanics--a land of opportunity that has liberated their energies and lifted their spirits. In return, hypomanic Americans have been good to America, powering a wilderness economy above every other nation on the planet in just a few hundred years. They may be our greatest natural resource." --Tom Peters

It's still exciting...

I still get a thrill from being on the radio! Thank you, Dave, of Star 99.1 FM!

Click here to listen to the segment.

BTW - Dave is really good at editing, too ;-)

In case you didn't hear...

I became a US Citizen on Friday! Although dual citizenship is not recognized by the USA (and most Western countries), they didn't take my UK passport away.

THANK YOU EVERYONE who helped me get to this point - it's been a very long and expensive journey doing everything by the book (over 7 years and almost $20,000), but well worth it. Special thanks to those who played a direct role: Mike, Rena, Gino, Barbara, Teresa, Judith, Gerald, Tracey, Ben, M&D, Jax Chapel folk, and of course... my dear wife Melissa - I'm so glad she puts up with so much 'me'.

Well, now on with the rest of our life together!

This photo was taken immediately after the ceremony in Newark.

Amateur Excellence

I've often been chastized by close friends and colleagues for being a perfectionist, and I've stopped referring to my musical experiences in the UK because they have caused resentment and responses along the lines of: "we're not good enough for you", or "of course the British are so much better than everyone else", or even "you really are mightier than thou." Serious Ouchness. (anyone who can claim to know me well knows how much this hurts).

So rather than share my stories and offer reasons why I like things to be done with our best possible efforts, I just do it. If the results are excellent, Great! If they're not, that's OK too. Yes, I compromise and justify it as 'survival' (!). It's also very interesting to witness so much trendy talk about 'excellence' without any backing commitment to it. I guess one needs to understand what excellence is before one can even attempt to achieve it!

So, I was pleased, VERY pleased to recently come across this article by Douglas Yeo, a US professional musician who witnessed first hand, the kind of musical environment I grew up in. His article has given me confidence and a little satisfaction that I'm OK - I'm alright. The things I worry about are worth worrying about, regardless of what friends & peers often say. Almost beaten to the ground, this article came at the right time to boost my spirits, and I truly look forward to maintaining the pursuit of excellence Douglas himself experienced.


This is one of the brass bands I played for in the UK, The Medway Band. At the back center is my dear friend Mark Andrew, and one of my ex-students, Richard Scarff is now playing for Aveley & Newham - another band I often played with. Good on ya, boys! Keep up the great playing...


I have often felt that the amateur brass band scene in the UK is one of the most intriguing outlets of self-expression that exists, and through it I learned much about dedication, hard work, loyalty, EXCELLENCE, team-work, reliability, presentation, my role amongst others, and society: although fierce enemies on the competition stage, players from different bands will drink beer and laugh together with players from many other bands (usually about conductors, I might add) but all are welcome! The real kick in the teeth? These players engage in these qualities by choice. For Free. At their own will. They're not paid, forced by gov't, or have nothing else to do. Remarkable, endearing, and very convincing.

It's ironic that as I make contacts in the USA brass band world, Doug's name came up as a potential resource! Timing is everything, and I am still convinced nothing is coincidental.

Go on, be a daredevil: don't settle for anything less from yourself. You can accomplish amazing things with the right guidance, so give up any self-centered-ness, and allow perfection to shine through you.

Inclusive Worship

Back in June Melissa and I came across a non-denominational church in Florida that seems to have balanced the celebrity church thing. There is much debate about churches that are based on celebrity pastors & worship leaders, etc, and the recent lack of integrity so prominently displayed by a disappointing wealth-mongering couple in Texas.

In any event, in my experience, most traditional denominations have a Director of Music or leader of worship arts who simply ensures worship takes place. The modern trend of CCM (which is rapidly losing support behind the scenes, btw) employed by so many modern churches seems to favor the promotion of one individual who leads worship, prays, gives notices, and so forth. This causes two problems:
1. Generates a celebrity.
2. Causes rife and separation in the donating congregations.
Why alienate half your church?

The Grace Family Church in FL does have a Worship Arts Pastor, Al Hurley. I have no idea who he is because he was not identified, nor could I guess that 'that guy up front' was him either - there was no 'guy up front'. What is apparent is that he is intent on and capable of inspiring inclusive worship. The congregation were singing throughout, there was a small band on stage with a horn section & percussion, and a show choir. The impressive part was all nine 'lead' singers spread across the front of the stage. Not one of them stole my focus.

For each of the four songs we sang at this service, a different lead singer invited the congregation to join them. In this video, it was the lady in pink, but see the chap at the back of the choir raising his hand? He stepped down to lead one of the songs, alongside the other lead singers. There was no celebrity, there was no yawning in the congregation, there was plenty of singing, dancing and hand clapping, and there was a true sense that worship was taking place.

WELL DONE Grace Family Church! This little servant applauds you!

Important classical music

On Facebook this morning a dear college friend asked what we thought were some important pieces of classical music: "A question for all you musicians out there.. In your opinion, what are a couple of the most important or profound classical works? This is either from your perspective, from the composers perspective in relation to their body of work, or from a historic perspective as an influence on the development of classical music."

I was genuinely STUNNED! At first, it was real hard to narrow down, second, not repeating the multitude of answers already posted was tough (actually, couldn't do it), and third, the incredible range and reasons for my answers impressed even I! Not only that, but I ended by stupidly saying "Let me know if you want more"! ???????? Am I really that geeky? (Don't answer). I could go on and on and on and on and on and on with this list, but she only wanted "a couple". Failed at that, too. I love it, though. This was a FUN exercise. Thank you, Sally!

SPB's list:
Milhaud - La Creation De Monde (classical+latin=jazz before Gershwin did it);
Copland - Appalachian Boing;
Shostakovitch - Festive Ov (You can be depressed, repressed and Big Brothered but still write joyful music);
Coates - Calling All Workers (Woah!);
Beethoven - 7:2 (You can be deaf, mad and smell but still write expressive music);
Glass - anything;
Part - Cantus In Mem... Ben... Britten, or Ravel - Bolero (both incredible 'exercises');
Sure about Ives? He was an insurance agent, and an organist to boot.
Risky Korsettes Off - Scheherezade (orchestration);
Kodaly - Hary Janos Suite (love the opening sneeze);
SOUSA! (Ok, there's a reason his songs and operas didn't survive, but you don't HAVE to mention them);
Prokofiev - Peter & the Wolf;
Mozart - Feeeeegaro (ov &/or opera);
Janacek - Katya Kabanova (a bit sad, though).

How would YOU answer that question?

The Quotable Stephen P Brown

Melissa: "Did you hear they're coming out with a musical about the Addams Family?"
Stephen: "I'm still waiting for 'Tom & Jerry, the Musical'."

Happy Anniversary!

25 years ago I arrived in the USA for the first time. In fact, my parents and I moved here for a three year term (my sister stayed in the UK to finish her last year of High School). It took me another 15 years to return to the US, but I remember that first day we arrived extremely well - finishing school before the summer holidays, flying backwards on a Royal Air Force DC-10, the immense heat when we got off the plane, Washington DC Metro system (a far cry from the London underground!), a black cadillac limo, and soon after... yellow school buses, and MARCHING BANDS!

Friday the 13th was always a good day. My mother was born on Friday the 13th!

Still, I think today's anniversary is worth a Silver Jubilee celebration, right?!

JSO rehearsals

Who can complain?

Tonight's rehearsal in NYC was moved upstairs, to the church's top floor. This was our view of the Manhattan Bridge:




And this was our view of mid-town:




By the time we were done, here's what that same view looked like:




Hope to see you at Sunday's concert!
(Prokofiev's "Peter & the Wolf", James Chapel at 121st & Broadway, 06.07.09 at 3:15pm)

Little French Bistro in NYC

Before tonight's rehearsal I spent 45 mins in Parigot, a delightful little Bistro on the corner of LaFayette St and Grand St, just NW of Little Italy & Chinatown. It doesn't have it's own [active] website, but it seems like relatively new owners. Certainly some of the reviews online indicate thorough inconsistency with the staff, but that's OK. For a one-time visit, I enjoyed it.


Bright, cheery, great deco, spacious, 'continental', and great value.
Look - this stuffed fluffly omlette was $11!



Try it next time you're downtown.

What a birthday weekend treat! Melissa and I singing at Carnegie Hall with some friends (and a couple hundred strangers), along with a world famous composer (John Rutter)! It was a terrific day.


This is for my sister. Sorry we didn't eat at 'your' cheescake deli, but we'd already ordered


Melissa in front of the building
(She shines up real nice, right?)


M doesn't like this pic.
I do ;-)


GREAT PIC!


Here we are waiting to enter through the stage door (Not my first time, but here I was fully dressed BEFORE I went in!)


And here we go...


Melissa & Dena in the green room


Twould be nice to have some pics of the stage/ performance, but Carnegie is a union hall and the concert promoter didn't arrange for any photos to be taken (plus, it would cost a fortune!)

John Rutter's Magnificat

There aren't many choral singers who haven't heard of John Rutter, yet most are probably unaware of his impact on the British and American choral scenes. The carols, anthems, arrangements of hymns, etc is immense. And his concert works display an incredible intelligence and a style of expression that remains unmatched. On top of that, he's had tremendous success as a performer and recording artist, particularly with his own group The Cambridge Singers and his own record label, Collegium Records.

Melissa and I were invited (as part of Jacksonville Chapel Choir - thank you, John!) to sing for Rutter at Carnegie Hall this weekend. Didn't take much for us to say yes, primarily because this will be the first time we both will have performed on the main stage (Stein Auditorium). And we'd both heard of Rutter, even though neither of us knew his MAGNIFICAT. Melissa was particularly looking forward to this work as her Catholic schooling made her memorise Mary's Canticle. I hadn't got a clue.

So, we bought the CD, got the vocal score and lo, enjoyed something quite sparky and unexpected. Little were we prepared for the composer's perspective on the piece, and it was honestly refreshing to be a part of something that had to be perfect. There was no room for error, "just sing what I wrote" made Melissa and I gurgle with excitement, and the sheer fantastic voicing, progressions, text, anger, placidness, expressions, dynamics, phrasing, & quality reminded me that great music is still worth delving into in incredible detail... I'd forgotten.

I shook Rutter's hand. He shook his teacher's hand, who shook his teacher's hand, who... so apparently, I'm five handshakes away from shaking BEETHOVEN'S HAND! Oh, and during a rehearsal break, the three of us chatted about Rochester, Charles Dickens, Latin America, and how men's fashion is so predictable!

And I want to compose again. And I want to conduct professionally again. And play the piano, remind myself how to read scores at the piano, etc, etc. It's happening to some extent, and I am LOVING IT! Who know what the future holds.

JSO & SPB - a transformation

Kamel Boutros, the Music Director of Calvary St George Church on Park Ave S & 21st st in NYC said, "You've transformed this orchestra."

Last night's performance was my first with the Jubilee Symphony Orchestra as its Artistic Director. Kamel has conducted them before and also appeared as a soloist with them. His comment was genuine and transformed my confidence from 'am I ever going to be a decent conductor again?' to 'Cool! I'm still good at my job!'

Also genuine was the audience's surprising response... in fact, I had to ask my wife if what I heard was true or if my ego was awash with pride. First, some context:
This concert was in New York City on a Saturday night - we were competing with the NYPhil, the Met, a Carnegie Hall recital, etc, etc. We were also performing at the same time Joel Osteen was in town. Not all our members are professional musicians, and attracting an audience was tough from day one. The fact that it would be an audience from a tough [read: critical] town didn't help. HOWEVER! About 300 people did turn up, and they applauded.

Here's my observation: When finishing each of the pieces I conducted, I turned and bowed (the traditional manner of saying 'thank you for listening'). I turned and got the orchestra to their feet, thanked them, then faced the audience again. The applause seemed to increase in volume, dramatically. This is unusual. It would indicate that the audience enjoyed the performance but specifically appreciated the conductor's efforts to produce excellent music and not get in the way by dancing around the podium. This reaction caused me to smile - no, beam - and not letting it get to my head I asked Melissa if I did actually hear an increase in applause volume. She said yes, and reported that the audience did enjoy my music making.

Phew! I haven't lost it! And then Kamel's compliment helped round off the buzz.

Unfortunately, I didn't press 'record' on the video camera before the first half so I missed capturing the VERY BEST piece on the program - which was played well (Faure: Masques & Bergamasques), but here's a little bit of the second half (Honegger: Pastorale D'Ete) in which I had my work cut out for me: the flute player got lost, and the violins got ahead. At least we ended together!



You know, I thoroughly enjoyed last night's concert, and really appreciate the support of all the players, Chris & Miriam, the usher hanging out in the lobby watching me pace during pieces I wasn't conducting, Ginny the Chorus Director, Kamel for the use of his venue, and Melissa & her friend Rachel for their patient support - I was distracted all day and even sang a little "I'm annoyed" ditty in the car when we got stuck in traffic and I was 20mins late.

Ah well. All in all a good first concert, methinks. I'm REALLY looking forward to this orchestra's future (including all nine Beethoven symphonies in one year!).

Liven up your job when you're tired

The meat starts about 55 seconds in. It's entertaining regardless of my take on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiVcnJ5iLqs

I cannot share enough enthusiasm about this chap’s attempt to overcome repetetive fatigue as well as engage his charge. Or, more importantly, his company’s willingness to let him do it! Truly Great customer service, terrific engagement, same old but different, high quality, real, adding some spice to life, etc, etc. This is what all our work should be like, whether it be for paying customers, internal cross-departmental meetings, or making a sales pitch. Let go. Be cool. Be great. And JUST DO IT!

The arts will survive. Again

I couldn't resist. This topic has hit me several times in the past two decades and yet again, artists in the 'arts' are panicking. And rightly so. This article is totally biased (like most of them) but the very valid reader comments are most enlightening.

So yes, the arts are a victim of the economic crisis. They have been before. And they've survived because artists continue to do their thing DESPITE autocracy! And they'll survive this crisis, too. What I actually like is the fact that many artists will NOT retain their full-time, mediocre, publicly ego stroking efforts to be 'someone'. Like me. I'm now earning my living and doing really fun and exciting art (music) on the side. Boy do I WISH it were full-time, and I constantly pray for some benefactor to dump their excessive musical dollars on my doorstep, but that ain't gonna happen anytime soon. So, I 'earn a living' in corporate and utilize my music in the world.

Everyone should yell and scream and moan and groan and perhaps some lucky artists will actually see some sustenance through the latest ludicrous bailout/stimulus, but don't worry. The arts are going nowhere.

An international 'International Music Day'

I dreamt/dreamed up a new project today. Nothing new, you say. True, but unlike the 780 billion others ideas I've budgeted (now why's that darn figure STUCK in my head, I wonder...) this one is exciting. What do you think?

While studying my list of 'national days' I noticed a distinct lack of music and performance related material. Lots of medical and tons of political, with a smattering of sports, but in over 1,000 national recognition days, not one music. But then google came to the rescue - there's the International Music Day. Heard of it? Nor me. October 1st, and I presume every year. It's coordinated in Australia by the International Music Council. Heard of it? Nor me. More interestingly, it's promoted/ supported/ funded/ cajoled/ whatever by UNESCO, or UN-ESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Heard of it? Right.

I don't know if UNESCO supports things like a Japanese University handbell choir playing a spanish song composed by a Frenchman, but I'm really glad they'd like to help people celebrate music on an international scale: even more kudos to the late Lord Menuhin (oh, for a peerage) for suggesting it.

So... my idea? [Tom Peters would love this: full of Excellence, Talent, Design, Implementation, Branding, Marketing to Women and Boomers]...

There are seven continents.
Let's host seven concerts
over the next seven years,
producing seven CDs and
seven DVDs,
each with seven pieces,
and why not produce seven documentaries for youtube, too?

The concerts, held on Oct 1 2009-2015 on a different continent, would have a piece composed about or by someone from each of the seven continents. My first program might look like this: Copland Fanfare for the common man, Ginastera Dances from Estancia, Ifukube Japanese Rhapsody, Westlake Antarctica Suite, Akpabot Three Nigerian Dances, Milhaud La Creation Du Monde, and Whitehead The improbable ordered dance. Of course, let's hope UNESCO is willing to help me find the $200000 needed to fund each show! Oh, and if you're wondering WHERE the concert on Antarctica will take place? LOL - I actually did some homework, and we'd probably charter a cruise ship and rent a small chamber orchestra from Oceanbound!!

Poor, poor, poor taste

http://classicalconvert.com/2008/11/breakfasts-ready/

Americans for the Arts. I'm sure they do better work, too.

Back on the BBC

It's been a while. Years. Probably 10 years if could be bothered to count, but at last I was back on the airwaves via BBC Radio Kent this morning. And I mean this morning. Dominic King's show is 10am-1pm weekdays. That's 5am-8am in NJ.

So v. nice Mr. Producer Steve called me at 6:20am for a coffee-induced attempt at being awake and conversant for an on-air interview w/ Dom. Listen to the interview on my web site here: http://www.stephenpbrown.com/blog.html. I was impressed w/ Dom's open-ended questions and he seemed to listen, too. Rather refreshing! Here's to re-establishing relations at my fave local radio station.

It's Official - Artistic Director of the JSO in NYC!

From: http://www.pr.com/press-release/110515

The Jubilee Symphony Orchestra is Delighted to Announce the Appointment of Stephen P Brown to the Orchestra’s Recently Created Position of Artistic Director

New York, NY, October 12, 2008 -- Known for thrilling performances and a wide variety of musical styles, Mr. Brown will conduct the orchestra for most of its performances in New York City.

Reviving, establishing and growing musical disciplines have provided Stephen P Brown with unique qualifications that are beginning to be noticed in the big league classical music circuits. Currently Musical Director of the Jacksonville Chapel Concert Band, Mr. Brown has been quietly developing a leadership maturity to match that of his international musical youth. In its silver jubilee year, he is leading the JCCB into the 21st century by coordinating an online presence, incorporating media and technology into concerts, popularizing attentive participation by audiences, and developing a branded identity.

Once described by George Hurst as being “too nice to be a conductor”, Mr. Brown has learned how to employ his optimism, enthusiasm and encouraging spirit on the podium, industriously sculpting colorful and energetic musical encounters. He will maintain his position as Musical Director of the Jacksonville Chapel Concert Band.

With regards to the Jubilee Symphony Orchestra Mr. Brown said, “The opportunity to engage some of the USA’s premium talent in a quest to share God’s angelic gift of music is irresistible. It was the orchestra’s ambition to combine New York City’s refined and developing classical music populations to present traditional and participative works that attracted me to seek this privilege, and help unleash the city’s quiet and reserved fondness of stirring and spiritual orchestral music.”

Mr. Brown’s open-ended contract testifies to the orchestra’s belief in his ability to grow and maintain its presence in a complex culture now needing stability more than ever. This is Mr. Brown’s first major orchestral appointment in the USA, succeeding Kamel Boutros who held the position of Music Director earlier this year.

Born in Rochester, England, Stephen P Brown began playing piano at age 7, soon followed by clarinet and percussion. His first public appearance as a conductor was in New Jersey at age 16, and after earning a percussion performance degree from Trinity College of Music at age 18 he became the UK’s first undergraduate conducting student. Since then he’s conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Griffin Orchestra of London, Ealing Choral Society, worked with the Halle and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras, and was Musical Director of the Medway Chamber Orchestra and Kent Youth Percussion. He has toured Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Holland, as well as Malawi and Zambia, and also served as the Musical Director for the Kentish Players, Spotlites Theatre, and Ballet Rambert Education. After reviving the music department at Sittingbourne Community College in 1999, the UK government recognized Mr. Brown’s management style as ‘exemplary’.

In addition to his own compositions, some of the world premieres conducted by Mr. Brown include Antonin Tucapksy’s “Triptychon”, works by Mathew Power and Simon Gaughan, as well as the European premiere of Australian composer Ross Edward’s “Dawn Mantras” as part of the UK’s Millennium Festivities.

The Jubilee Symphony Orchestra is a ministry of Jubilee Missions, founded in Los Angeles in 2002. With an international presence, Jubilee Missions provides music, dance and media support for all denominations of the Christian faith. In particular, the Jubilee Symphony Orchestra works closely with churches throughout New York City and is also embarking on presenting its own program of annual events including children’s and choral concerts, a massive praise event and an annual invitation-only dinner hosted by the Artistic Director.

“We are excited about Mr. Brown’s involvement in our organization. In alignment with our mission, Mr. Brown will be building a platform for local artists to use their gifts for God with excellence and a Christian worldview”, said Christopher Chou, Director of Jubilee Missions New York.

Contact Information
Jubilee Missions
Jonathan Sesman
Tel: 212-602-9904
Cell: 347-754-8694
eventsny@jubileemisions.org
http://www.jubileemissions.org/

Conducting Careers

Life has many funny turns (and a few that aren't quite so funny): Having mentioned to my dearest Melissa that a Conductor's career usually won't take off until he/she is in their mid-fifties, we realized I could, yet, embark upon a conducting career again. Wouldn't that be cool? As I rapidly skid towards 40 we figured... "Why not?" So I made a couple of phone calls. After all, why not?

Three emails later, and I've got two hits and one not interested. 66% success rate. The Jubilee Orchestra in Manhattan just so happens to be seeking a new Conductor - negotiations are progressing well and I might end up as Prinicpal Conductor, or even Artistic Director! Gulp. Then, a visionary, gun-ho, 'let's do it' type of artist manager based in Nashville has lavished upon me sufficient ego-boosting compliments and awe to the extent that I was sold and we are now establishing all the necessary backup support - a non-profit organization, book publishing schedule, branding, a decent website (far more creative than my own designs - sorry if you missed them in the past!) as well as a couple of intriguing industry first-ideas. More to come on those.

So, after a month sitting at home desperately trying to avoid a relapse into pneumonia, here I am slugging through my corporate day-job to make sure the basic administrative tasks for my concert band are in place (we have a Silver Jubilee Gala Concert on Oct 19) and then desperately reading up on the legal implications of charity. Phew! It's intriguing, attractive work coz at the end of it I know it'll all enable me to do what I REALLY enjoy, what I spent YEARS training to do, and most importantly, what helps others realize their own gifts (playing & listening to music) and giving those gifts a purpose. Conducting orchestras, choirs, theatre bands, etc, etc.

LOVE IT. Thank you, God, for this surprising turn of events. Who knows... maybe You intend this to actually happen!