Hi Jerry and anybody else here--

Just wanted to tell you, Jerry, that the Gospel Messengers CD is a huge hit here--not just with me. Jan loves it--wishes you could bring the whole group to the Getaway. And Henry, her 17-month-old charge, also really likes it.

My group has started work on our next concert--a combination celebration of our conductor's 70th birthday and the group's 40th anniversary. So we'll be doing a lot of our "greatest hits", referring to events in the group's history. Like Va Pensiero (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Verdi's Nabucco--you may not know the name, but I bet you know the song. Wonderfully stirring.   Suggested as the Italian national anthem--it's a lot better music than the one they now have. And Ave Maria from the Rachmaninoff Vespers (in Russian). Again a really emotional piece--so evocative of Russian churches--and our trip there in 1993.

Anybody who can sing is truly lucky and blessed--and those who don't are missing so much. And the more types of music you appreciate, the better.

During the break at rehearsal last night, I heard about a 93-year old who goes to nursing homes just to lead the singing.

We all decided that's what we'll aim for.