Evensong atSt. James - theHumm February 2017

By — Hilary Barrett

Choral Evensong at St. James’ Anglican Church in Perth is both a contemplative service and a celebration of sacred music and song, at which local musicians volunteer their services by playing a prelude and postlude. This month, cellist Beth Misener and pianist Val Leavitt play two movements of the Beethoven Sonata for Cello Opus 5 no.2, and two movements of J.C. Bach’s Cello Concerto in C minor. The service is on Sunday, February 19 at 4pm but the prelude starts at 3:45, so come early!

As February is Volunteer Month, it should be noted that churches and other religious organizations rely heavily on volunteers to reach out to others in their own community and beyond, wherever help is needed. In this article, we salute those who bring joy to worship, and the lives of others, through the art of music.

Beth Misener is a Grade 11 student at Perth and District Collegiate Institute who has been playing the cello for 13 years and enjoys performing. “Playing the cello is a very different experience from studying,” says Beth, “and a welcome break. I am excited to play with other musicians at church services, dinners and other charitable events.”

St. James’ Liturgical Choir is very active and an exciting place to be these days, with an amazing group of people; largely thanks to the leadership of musical directors Peter Woodwark and Val Leavitt. Below is what a few of the choristers have to say about why they make the commitment to show up for practices and services regularly, and work on new or difficult pieces at home.

Jane Hartin, an alto, sang as a child in an Anglican church choir, and she describes being in St. James’ choir as: “a wonderful and uplifting experience — and a great opportunity for discovery and growth in so many areas — musically, physically and spiritually. It is also a magical, safe and loving environment — and it’s not all work — we have great parties!”

Mike Else, a bass who also sings with the Men of the Tay, has some physical disabilities. “Sometimes I am so tired and fed up I can hardly drag myself out of the house for choir practice,” he observes, “but invariably afterwards I feel great — singing is uplifting physically and spiritually, and gives me energy.”

Alan Preston, a tenor, also finds singing to be spiritually uplifting. “Poetry and music are both ways of expressing love, and singing combines these two artistic expressions into a wonderful experience.” Alan is a retired physician who has found that “music is one of the finest ways of helping people deal with anxiety and to shift their thinking away from negative thoughts”.

Carol Rigby’s parents met in a choir, so it is no surprise that music has been a major part of her life since she was very young — at the age of six she sang a duet with her four-year-old sister in church. A soprano, Carol has had professional voice training, and in addition to singing in choirs most of her life, was the official soloist at First Baptist Church and St. James United Church in Ottawa. Later she was the choir director at St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral in Iqaluit, where she and her family lived for many years. “I enjoy singing church music, and it is wonderful being at St. James all year since my husband and I moved to this area. I like to memorize the music when I can, as this allows me to take it into my heart. I believe singing is a gift from God — which I can give back to other people.”

While being in a choir is a good experience, we can all enjoy singing — so just try it — especially if you have been led to believe you cannot sing. If you can talk, you can sing! And what better way to brighten up a dreary winter day?

St. James’ Church is located on the corner of Drummond and Harvey Streets in Perth. Travelling west on Highway 7, turn left at the first traffic light as you enter Perth. For more information, contact the church office at 267–1163 or check the website stjamesperth.ca .

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Evensong atSt. James - theHumm February 2017