Two Days in One

Thursday-Friday, July 19-20

My Meltdown and the Men’s Choir Festival

It’s hard to put into words the past 48 hours, but I need to try. So, pour yourself a cold beverage and sit back. This will be a longer entry, but hopefully worth it!

Somewhere between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, I definitely hit “the Ukrainian wall.” It usually happens here without warning, and I found myself sitting in the sanctuary of Central Baptist Church in the middle of the night, and sending out the Facebook “SOS” to which so many of you graciously responded. To feel the palpable “tsunami” wave of prayer support made we weep, lifted my spirits and launched me into the past 24 hours. I think it was a combination of 2+ weeks of being here, exhausted from walking around most of Kyiv, added to missing my dear family, and being unsure of what the coming days would require of me. So, I just kind of melted down. No regrets or explanations, it just happens. Thanks again for your support, those of you who knew. Don’t stop praying!

Thursday morning was rough, but got better quickly. Our “festival” began with an afternoon vocal master class with the tenors, translated for me by Serhiy Bilokin - himself a gifted tenor. It was very well received. Body alignment/posture, breath, tone and vowels. It never hurts to go back to the foundational truths of our craft. After that, we headed out on foot for dinner at our favorite “Pusata Hata” (the Copper Kettle), the Ukrainian version of Old Country Buffet (except it’s not all-you-can-eat, Slava Bohu). More of the men who were coming from work came and met us there, until we have 10+ around the table. What fun that was, and I did not need to know Russian or Ukrainian to know how much “brother/guy fun” was happening around that table. Interesting how boyish teasing and “brotherly love” is the same in any language! I suddenly felt at home in a way I had not yet on this trip.

Following dinner, we headed back to the church, and started the rehearsal part of our festival. I sight read some pieces in Russian, including a drop-dead beautiful men’s piece by Chesnokov that I had never heard before. I am finally starting to make sense of the Cyrillic alphabet after eight years(!), so this sight-reading really pushed me to not be afraid of the unknown, and like Nike, “just do it.” I taught them the Thomas Tallis “If Ye Love Me” (it went well, but we can still work on our English) and also we also started to work on Michael Olsen’s transription of “Witness” for men’s voices. This was a bit more of a challenge. Surprisingly, it was not the jazz style, but all the words that intimidated them. Believe me, I empathized with them, after all the Russian I had just slaughtered!

What a group of men – leaders, movers and shakers in business and in the Ukrainian church this is! There is Yuri, the sub-bass whom several of us met last May during our time in Luts’k. (he has a low C# below low C, and I am not exaggerating this. I heard him sing it.) And, there was Bogdan, the virtuoso trumpet playing-wind band conductor from Zhitomir; and my dear “twin” Valentin “Valek” – the orphan child, beautiful bald man with the amazing heart from Dnipropetrovsk. For the first time, I met Benjamin – the darker-skinned, Georgian-looking lad from Odessa, with and open heart, huge brown eyes and a smile that could brighten the dark side of the moon. There was Viktor, the stylishly-elegant, tall man from Luts’k who had the sweet Mercedes van we rode in when we were there last week. Ruslan, the earnest, introverted blonde haired, blue-eyed man – is from Luhans’k, the furthest Ukrainian outpost right on the border with Russia. I have loved bantering with taller Sasha, the PR guy from Kiev Christian University, with his impeccable English and impish sense of humor and, I could go on and on. This is why I am here: relationships, music and worship! SDG

Another rehearsal Friday morning was also very satisfying. Not only did I lead my songs, but several other men led individual pieces expertly. This is a Cantus-like group (you Minnesotans and Cantus lovers will appreciate this) in which nearly everyone is capable of leading and teaching pieces. Great teamwork. Lunch in the downstairs dining hall (full of memories past and present) was made up amazing soup, bread and rice and meat stuffed “garden peppers” – not the red or green, but beige ones. Smatchno! (delicious)  And, of course followed by Chai (tea). As usual, they tried to serve me “compote” but I declined. Compote is Kool-Aid and innocent  looking beverage made out of cherries and other fruits – like prunes – that are boiled and condensed, then water is added. Powerful effects. I declined. This has proven wise on other occasions.

After lunch, I ventured out onto the Metro once again to find the rehearsal hall of the Kiev Symphony and Chorus where Wes Janzen was rehearsing. I am thoroughly enjoying these subway excursions – the new paint, lighting, and signage in English help make this a much more inviting experience. And, you can hardly beat a 25 cent ride on the subway. A cab would have cost 40 hrivna ($5) and would not have been as interesting.

I entered the rehearsal hall, was greeted by Wes Janzen and his associate Vika, the “czarina” of the KSOC. She runs that room like a drill sergeant who went to charm school. They were rehearsing for an upcoming trip to Talinn, Estonia. As I sat down, they launched quietly into F. Melius Christiansen’s arrangement of Beautiful Savior (sung in English, heavily tinged with Russian) together with the strings. As they sang that old St. Olaf standard, playing on their Wenger music stands, I had a true Minnesota moment. Their other repertoire was significant: two movements from the Haydn Creation (in Russian, with soloists), two movements from the Bach B Minor Mass (Gloria and Cum Sancto Spiritu) Psalm 23 of John Rutter, then after the break Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei (Adagio for Strings) and Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. It was so interesting to hear the Handel in Ukrainian, and to once again ponder that it’s first performance since Baroque times was in the early 1990’s just after the fall of Communism. Remarkable. During the break, I met the principal viola player, who is also a tenured string professor at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. What a wonderful man, with such heart and soul, and a true Ukrainian patriot who appreciated that I spoke to him in Ukrainian. That’s a kind of big deal here right now. (read about it) I had a few more small chances to interact with Wes in small breaks in the action, but then I had to head back for the evening Men’s Chorus rehearsal. We will resume our conversation Saturday morning.

This evening’s session was similar to the morning. Several different conductors led new repertoire, including a snappy arrangement of A Mighty Fortress by our own Oleksandr “Sasha” Korchevniy, which easily rivals or even surpasses the traditional Glad arrangement. It was a great evening, followed by some weighty words about the importance of excellence, and not letting “just good enough be just good enough.” SDG again. This is so true on both sides of the Atlantic, and the time has never been riper for it here. A time of standing prayer (I love that tradition) and the men were off to all parts of the city to find their host families. Time for me to sleep as well. Thanks for your continued prayers for all of us during this time. Pray especially that God will provide the funding for these dear saints to come to the USA in November. I wish I were rich…. (I know, I sound like Tevye).

Free day in Kyiv

Wednesday, July 18

First full day in Kyiv – on my own

Well, today was my first full day on my own here in Kyiv. After a fairly uneventful evening last night (of which the adventurous part was walking from Central Baptist down to, as I like to call it The American Embassy/Church of St. McDonald’s down by the Dnipro. I hadn’t really planned to do it, but I was ambivalent about where to eat supper, and Cola Light was calling my name. I think it my have been about 5 miles, round trip. My feet were not happy with me after that. But, it was definitely an adventure.)

This morning I had adventure #2. I had scheduled a meeting with Wes Janzen, of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (KSOC) at their offices down near the Opera House. En route, I took the Metro (subway) which is normally an experience in and of itself, but this was fairly routine. New non-Cyrillic signage, notifications in English and clearer maps all made this a “normal” subway ride. Once I got off the “Teatralna” stop of the subway, it was about a 5-minute walk up the hill to Opera House square.

On my way, I made several observations since I was alone and had no one to talk to (even myself!) It struck me how quiet Ukrainians are when in large groups. There was virtually no talking – so quiet with thousands of people sharing the same space! Neatly funneling into lines, neatly boarding the escalators, and no talking on the train whatsoever. Fascinating. As I stepped onto the incredibly long escalator, I heard Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor playing somewhere over a loudspeaker. That was a first here, and it made me smile.

Wes and I shared a good 2+ hours together, getting re-acquainted and dreaming of the future. He is relatively new to his current position, though he has been Guest Conductor of KSOC since 2006 or so. We finished our time together with a quick visit to the Church of St. Volodmir, an Orthodox church near the Opera that I had never yet seen in all my trips here. It was remarkable inside. After that, I said “dopobachinya” to Wes, and shortly after Serhiy met me for lunch at a Café just up the street from the German Embassy and near the penthouse apartment of the Klitchko brothers, famous Ukrainian boxers. After lunch, we walked around Kyiv for what seemed like hours, because it was! We walked down Kreschatyk Street and some of the little underground malls located in many parts of that famous street.

Tonight, a quiet evening in my room allowed me to organize all of my receipts for the trip thus far. That was fun! Clearly, I know how to have a good time! Tomorrow the men’s chorus festival begins. Looking forward to it.

Who's Flying Home Today; Not Me!

Departure Day

Tuesday, July 17

Well, everyone flew out of Kyiv today.... except for me. No worries, though! It was planned that way. I will be staying on for another week+, fully wearing my hat as board member of Music in World Cultures, and so my posts from this point on will be regarding my “bonus” week in Ukraine.  I said good bye to all my fellow Evanglion-ers as they boarded the big beautiful white Mercedes bus with the really comfortable seats and great interior, icy cold A/C (which we all wished we could have driven around Ukraine).

I had a small bit of perezhevanya myself last night – in the hustle and bustle of finishing the concert, taking pictures, putting things away and being shooed out of the Conservatory, I left my garment bag containing my day clothes and my cell phone in the dressing room backstage. A small thing, but for a while it was a bit stressful to figure out what to do with the phone, and how to inactivate it. Thankfully, I was able to connect with my wife Heidi via FaceTime on my iPad and tell her what I needed to have done. Thanks, Heidi! Eventually, I began to think positively about it:  If I found it, we could reactivate it, and all would be well.  Were it to have been stolen, I would have considered it “God’s will” that I should get an iPhone. A win-win!

Vitaliy drove me to the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in his car, and we were met by the Director as we entered the side door. He had been present in 2006 when we sang our joint concert with the Conservatory Choir up in the organ hall on the top floor. That was when Oleksandr Tarasenko was their conductor. This Conservatory Director is also one of their main conducting teachers, and a very kind and generous man. I greeted him in Ukrainian, and to my great surprise he bowed to me and called me “maestro.” And, I think he sincerely meant it! That doesn’t happen very often (try NEVER), if you know what I mean! I might just stay here, and never come back!! (Just kidding, family…) We went backstage, and sure enough, there it was, just where I had left it. Big relief. Vitaliy then drove me to Central Baptist or the Shschekavits’ka Church. I am all settled in and cozy now in Room #35 for the next week plus. Got connected to WiFi, which is better than most of the hotels where we stayed. I remember the days of agonizingly slow dial-up, and the real veterans remember not having any way of communicating whatsoever with home and family, loved ones. So, I do not take this for granted in any way whatsoever. That I could be checked into my room, and online within 10 minutes is remarkable. But, it is this contact with the other half of the world that makes being here more bearable.

Here in this place, I have really everything I need. Comfy bed, private bath, windows that open (natural Ukrainian A/C), a room fan, and bottled water across the hall. It’s a balmy 72 degrees, breezy with blue skies here in Kyiv today, and a beautiful day to launch Chapter 2 of my Ukrainian Adventure. After an hour nap, I was more than ready to venture out for afternoon Chai (tea). I wandered down the block behind the church, to find an Italian restaurant called Sorrento. There I sat in their breezy outdoor patio, reading my book and enjoying a fresh Caprese salad, Italian bread and lemon-mint iced tea. Almost heaven, Kyiv style.

Many of you are asking me what comes next in my Ukrainian Adventure? No vacation, that’s for sure. I want to be used extensively during my time here, and I have made that clear. Tonight (Tuesday), there is a worship service in the church, which will be followed by dinner with Serhiy and Vitaliy, and we will discuss the events of the week. Tomorrow I will meet with Wes Janzen, principal conductor of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus [KSOC] to discuss future collaborations. Wes and I have been friends since 1987 when he shadowed Dale and the Dale Warland Singers during our “year of Penderecki” where we sang the St. Luke Passion, and other pieces. Wes is on the faculty at Trinity Western University in Vancouver, B.C. and is a gifted conductor and a believer with a tender heart. We both love Ukraine. He flew into Kyiv yesterday, and attended our concert at the Conservatory last night. It was good to see him! We want to dream and imagine what the future looks like, with collaborations and projects to build the Kingdom here in Ukraine and beyond.

Later on Wednesday evening, we will travel out of central Kyiv to one of the churches where I will work with a Youth Choir, and we will talk seriously about the need for a high view of excellence in church music. Apparently, in this particular church, this is being debated. Prayer would be appreciated. SDG will play a large role. Thursday-Saturday, there is a men’s chorus mini-festival and individual conducting master classes, and the men’s choir will be involved in worship on Sunday. Next Monday-Wednesday there will be rehearsals of the Kyiv Youth Choir which will be preparing for a large Baptist congress in August. This will be jointly led by Serhiy and Vitaliy, so I am looking forward to observing their work and cheering them on. You can bet they will try to get me to conduct something.

Enough for now. Grateful to God for great weather and the Son shining down on all of this. Slava Bohu.

The Final Day: Tchaikovsky Conservatory Concert

Kyiv: Final Day

Monday, July 16

Our final day in Kyiv took on many different aspects. For some, it was sightseeing – a bus and boat tour of the city, especially for those in Evangelion for whom Kyiv was a new destination. For others, there were final shopping sprees or some quality time at local cafes and restaurant. For Dennis, Sasha Korchevniy, Serhiy Bilokin and me, it was a 2-hour orchestra rehearsal in a special rehearsal hall on the other side of town. This is where DP was to meet with the KSOC orchestra members, to take them through the 6 orchestrated pieces for tonight’s concert. We took a cab there and when we arrived, there was another rehearsal finishing up. (I stuck my head in and listened for a few minutes – wow, some really great singing!) As they left the hall, many of the members and the conductor of this wonderful local choir greeted Serhiy. They knew him from his time at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. It was heartwarming for me to see how highly regarded he is here, and widely known. Not a surprise, but good to know our intuition was correct about him – he is growing into a pivotal figure in the Kyiv musical establishment. 

Dennis’ contact within the KSOC organization is a vivacious blonde named Vika (Viktoria) who is a dynamo conductor, contractor, organizer and clearly a musical mover/shaker. She was busy setting up for the rehearsal, barking out orders like a military commander, and phoning people who were either late or unexpectedly AWOL. If the latter, she wasted no time in organizing their replacements. The rehearsal went very well, and Dennis was pleased. It was good that we had both Serhiy and Sasha Korchevniy there to translate both language and music, and to trouble shoot. There were a few small notational anomalies in a couple of places that Sasha fixed immediately and efficiently.

After the rehearsal, the four of us decided to grab a bite to eat near the Conservatory, rather than go all the way back to the hotel to ride the bus. It was a good decision. About a block away, we had just finished our tea when the bus arrived with the choir.

The first half hour in the Conservatory was a bit chaotic. Setup was just beginning as we arrived. The stage, is quite rustic, with floors more like an Amish barn than a concert hall. The stage extension (over the pit) would provide an American OSHA inspector with enough work for a lifetime of citations! Loose boards, with too little connecting hardware, and rough, uneven spots abounded. Hard to believe this hall is so full of musical history! Large opera set pieces and staging was piled at the back of the main stage, and once again dust older than God abounded everywhere. One singer said it was like “breathing sawdust” as she walked in. One can only imagine what kind of performances have taken place, and who has played and sung on that stage. Workmen appeared, and, suddenly “they” appeared:  six dusty and well-worn, 3-step brown carpeted early-1980’s Wenger risers. These had been sent over to Ukraine, donated by Northwestern College some 6-7 years ago. What memories seeing those stirred up in me – even a few good memories! Long story short: we sent them over with the intent of donating them to the Christian Music Academy so that traveling groups like Evangelion would have something to stand on. Evangelion tenor Mark Uecker’s shipping company donated their trip over here, but due to lingering Soviet era corruption, they got stuck in Customs, with very little hope of being ransomed. After much frustration and negotiation, Sasha Kreschuk was able to get them out of Customs and into the protective care of the government and housed in the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. For many years, DP’s Northwestern College Choir and then mine had toured with and sang on those beauties! Signs of NWC ownership were removed a couple of years ago, but that doesn’t change the story nor their origin! Commemorative photos were taken.

Once the orchestra was in place, which took some doing due to the small size of the stage, we got the rehearsal started. That went well, and our departure from the stage gave our piano virtuosa Pam “Cliburn” Sohriakoff some time on the mighty 9-foot Bechstein grand. After playing on mostly Petrov uprights during this tour, or PSO’s (piano shaped objects) and making them sound so much better than any of them had a right to, this must have been like dying and going to piano heaven. She played wonderfully. The whole concert went well, and a full main floor audience and even some balcony dwellers rewarded us with rhythmic clapping as we exited after each set. I was struck to see so many more Ukrainians smiling as we performed. It used to be that was more rare. Ukrainian audiences have always listened intently, but one rarely saw them smile until after the performance. That seems to be changing. I am not sure what this means, but the word I shared with the choir tonight my favorite Ukrainian word, perezhevanya = living life through all of its ups and downs, knowing that joy is out there, somewhere. It’s a good word. And, that joy does not equate with happiness, but it much deeper, and more enduring. Good word indeed.

More “meet and greet” time with the audience in the foyer of this amazing building, followed group photos on the front steps, and soon we were onto the bus heading back to the Hotel Rus. Our group farewell dinner at the hotel was lovely, with songs and thank you’s and gifts and bittersweet goodbyes or dopobachinya’s. (dopobachinya is the Urkrainian equivalent to the German “auf wiedersehen”, or until we meet again). Time for final packing tonight, and then heading to the airport after breakfast, mid-morning tomorrow. Soon, we will see our loved ones, and the stories will become much more personal and interesting than what I have attempted to portray in this blog. We ask your prayers for safe travels, no lost luggage, and the sweet savoring of the memories and life-changing experiences we have once again had here in Ukraine. This chapter is closed, but something new is just beginning.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Homestretch: Kyiv, Part Deux

Sunday, July 15

Kyiv - Shschtekavits'ka (Central Baptist) Concert

We boarded the bus at the Hotel Rus, and headed over to the concert site, Central Baptist Church, in the Podil or historic district of Kyiv. Many of you will remember this church, as it has been the site of many memorable visits to Ukraine. It's the "mother" church of the Baptist Union, and has great acoustics for music. Evangelion has not done a concert there since 2001, so it was a welcome return for the congregation.

Gratefully, the weather was not nearly as blisteringly hot as it was just over a week ago on July 7 when we had our first rehearsal here together with The Magnificent Seven. It’s quite mindboggling to think of the thousands of kilometers we have driven together, and how much of Ukraine we have seen. A lot of weather and life has transpired in that week+! We had the opportunity to record tonight’s concert, so our concert preparations were focused on mic placement and tidying up small things in our music. Considering the proximity of the mics to us, I am a bit skeptical about the sound quality, but that remains to be seen. We won’t listen to the recording until we get back to the US. At least we will have a chance to hear our “Ukrainian sound” before we welcome our home chorale members back into our midst.

Considering it was Sunday night, and attendance at Sunday night worship in Ukraine churches is in decline as it is in American church Sunday nights, we had an excellent turnout of around 400 people (in a room that seats 1000). The pastor was in rare form as he welcomed us! We sang “Blessed Assurance” together as we began the service, followed by prayer and the reading of a music-related Psalm. (I think it was Ps. 150, but my Ukrainian is limited).  We began our concert. It went well. No applause (I just really love that) until after the Moses Hogan Climbin’ Up the Mountain, which I guess was to be expected, but it still surprises me when they clap in church. I have become so accustomed to the quiet response to beauty here, vs. applause for everything. I think the Ukrainians think we Americans expect applause, or we will be unhappy. Not this American!

We finished the concert by singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – Pam Sohriakoff played extemporaneously (there’s a big word!) on both of our hymns with great flair and gusto, showing her amazing artistic range. Just moments before she had played Rachmaninoff, Grieg and Poulenc! More warm and grateful greetings in street in front of the church after the concert, and lingering conversations (I love that about Ukraine) followed by a leisurely dinner outdoors at the Hotel Rus which included Chicken Kiev (yes, friends, that dish does come from Kiev and not just Simek’s freezer!) and cold Coke Light on ice (a few of you will find this especially meaningful). Sleep came easily tonight! Dobranitch. (Good night)

Back in Kyiv, Part 1

Sunday, July 15

Back to Kyiv – on the home stretch

During the night in Rivne, a cool front came through with a bit of rain. As I opened the window of my room, the waft of cool fresh air was such a blessing this Sunday morning. We could even drive the bus without the A/C on, and it was still comfortable! Slava Bohu. This break in the weather will be helpful as we push toward the end of our tour. 

Today, we learned that the cost of the damage from the accident to our bus in L'viv, though it was clearly the fault of the other driver, will be borne personally by our bus driver Oleg. Estimated repairs somewhere in the neighborhood of $450 (3500 UKR hrivna). A hat was passed through the bus, and due to the generosity of our members, nearly 4000 hrivna appeared in it. We presented it to Oleg during the drive to Kyiv this afternoon. He was speechless, tried to decline it, and then nearly cried. (FYI: Russian men do not cry). Evangelion = bearing good news. Good news indeed today for Oleg.

Proverbs 11: 24-25

24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

²⁵ A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.

 

In many ways, our next two days in Kyiv will be the culminating experience of the entire trip. We are excited to be able to record our concert at Central Baptist tonight, which has great acoustics for sound and we anticipate a full house. We miss our home chorale members, but this will also be our only chance to hear what we sound like with our 7 Ukrainian singers in our midst. If we could only bring The Seven home with us, and add them to our home chorale members. What a sound that would be! 

Thankfully, we have a little time in the hotel to rest and prepare for our second to last concert. Keep us in your prayers. Ending strong is always good.

Rivne

Saturday, July 14

Rivne

We had the luxury of a later, early afternoon departure from L’viv this morning, and many of us took advantage of the extra time to shop and do a bit of last minute sightseeing and buying of "tchachkiys" (souvenirs) or even more in this remarkably beautiful city. This is one place where it would be fun to spend a whole week, a luxury we cannot afford! This city is a tourist heaven.

En route to Rivne, we did not have a terribly long bus ride, but once again our route featured the picturesque countryside from gleaming new 4-lane highways which were built especially for our tour (that is, according to Sasha Kreschuk). I think it’s wonderful that the many people visiting Ukraine for the recent EuroCup soccer games could also benefit from “our” new roads! One of the trends in the “new” Ukraine is the proliferation of gas stations along these new freeways (and the older roads as well), most of which easily rival or surpass our own SuperAmerica or Holiday gas stations. We chose one of the best, with clean bathrooms, great snack and beverage options, and plenty of room to accommodate a group of our size.

Eventually we arrived in Rivne, and made a quick check-in to the Hotel Mir (Mir = peace) built for the Soviets 40 years ago by Boris Kreschuk, the father of our dear Oleksandr “Sasha” Kreschuk who grew up here in Rivne. An evangelical pastor, Boris was also a civil engineer, and his building projects were part of the leverage he used with the communists to barter for the safety of his family as believers. I had heard many “horror” stories about this hotel from past Evangelion trips, but other than its address and square footage, this hotel clearly bore no resemblance to that one whatsoever. Extensive remodeling and renovation have made this one of the more beautiful and well-appointed hotels in our experience here. It seemed another symbol of all things becoming new here in Ukraine. We could not help but be struck by the mowed lawns, sculpted flowerbeds and gardens, and a growing sense of ownership and pride that pervades the cities where we have visited. More than just capitalism at work, this pride is a sign of a healthy culture and free people.

We had a quick turnaround (less than 45 minutes) to get into concert attire before boarding the bus to head for the Rivne Organ Hall. With its pipe organ, green “faux marble” columns and green velvet chairs, this is a building with an interesting history. Originally a Catholic church, this was used as an ammunition dump during WW2, then it was made into a movie cinema during the communist era. A dropped ceiling, fake walls and a movie screen on the altar apparently seemed to the communists to be the most reasonable use for this once sacred space! We were told it was only around 20 years ago that it was restored into a concert hall. No longer active as a worship space, there are some things (like stained glass windows) that simply can’t be covered or hidden from view. Aside from mold and mildew older than God living in the lower level, it’s a remarkable music space with clean acoustics and good sightlines.

We sang to a small but appreciative audience, and leaving the doors open during the concert caused our audience to grow steadily during the performance. We sang a great performance, which was warmly received. Looking out into the audience, it was once again remarkable to see the wide range of ages in attendance. Some of the older men had that rumpled “Soviet look” and there were many children and younger people there as well. It was also wonderful to see Masha (Ryiaba) Dunina, our almost Evangelion alto, with her new husband Viktor. Pastor Nestaryuk of the Second Baptist Church was also there to provide closing remarks and a benediction. In attendance there was a blend of church people and those from the wider community. We can feel a bit of corporate exhaustion setting in from the concert grind. Two more to go, and then a break! The end is coming quickly, so it’s important we savor the final moments. It will be good to be in the same bed for two nights in a row.