Viva la Bach!

What an unforgettable evening of music! History is made as Costa Rica celebrates one of Western civilization’s greatest musical treasures for the first time ever on its native soil. Soli Deo Gloria!


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June 13, 2009 | Filed Under SDG in Costa Rica - 2009, Videos | Leave a Comment 

Regarding Bach

Conductor John Nelson revealed some fascinating insights and perspectives on Bach’s Mass in B Minor during a presentation here in San Jose yesterday. Here’s a short video clip:


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June 11, 2009 | Filed Under SDG in Costa Rica - 2009, Videos | Leave a Comment 

Arrival in San Jose

I arrived in Costa Rica safe and sound yesterday evening. Smooth flights from Chicago to Atlanta and through to San Jose. I already sense an excitement for this weekend’s regional premiere of Bach’s Mass in B Minor. The chorus has held rehearsals for these concerts three or four times a week since February. Some of the choristers have copies of the SDG-sponsored Mass in B Minor DVD and are asking conductor John Nelson for autographs.

This afternoon I’ll attend a lecture on the B Minor Mass delivered by Maestro Nelson, followed by a recital with the concert soloists and pianist Daniel Paul Horn. Should be a great event. Stay tuned…

June 10, 2009 | Filed Under SDG in Costa Rica - 2009 | Leave a Comment 

Music in the real world

“[The flute] takes me to another world that is far away from here, a more beautiful world. Because it is not a beautiful place here. It is an ugly place.” - Dalia Maukarker, age 16

Wow. One could hardly find a more compelling illustration of the value of music in a “real world” environment, where freedom, safety and financial stability are threatened. I highly recommend the 5-minute NY Times video A Crescendo in the West Bank addressing music in the lives of students in the region. My heart goes out to kids like Dalia Moukarker and their teachers - You are blooming where you are planted, friends, and it is beautiful indeed! You are inspiration and hope!

June 4, 2009 | Filed Under Culture | 2 Comments