BBC Symphony to premiere controversial Requiem for America Norman Lebrecht on SlippedDisk - February 12, 2026 The world premiere of Requiem for America will be given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on May 17 in London, followed by a US premiere in Boston, it was announced today. The work, by Brent Michael Davids,... Continue Reading →
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere, by Ken Gray “I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in him”—Stuart Townend Walking downhill towards the church on a crisp autumn evening, the retreating western sun infusing fluffy clouds with shades of orange and yellow, I see the lights on in the church. Did I... Continue Reading →
AI generated image by KJG Reading Phillip Toledano in the Washington Post has me thinking about my own photography. I wonder if it is time for me to up my game, to try something different, possibly to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into my workflow. While I try to avoid AI everywhere else — in word... Continue Reading →
Love is blind? Or is it blue? —Anonymous proverb I want to make a good impression; to get our first date right. We had met in other ways — by happenstance, at church events, at choir practice, and at community meetings. I had noticed Ronni from a distance. She’s attractive, and I sensed interesting. I... Continue Reading →
A few days late, but a great history from Matthew Larkin, with thanks And today, I’m thinking of this guy, who died 150 years ago this date (January 22). John Bacchus Dykes: priest, organist, composer, tractarian: a composer of well over 250 hymn tunes, and an avid and determined ritualist who stood tall against his... Continue Reading →
Chapter ten in the series Stories from Somewhere, by me, Ken Gray “Mayday*Mayday*Mayday.” My shouted distress call must have looked silly. There I was, standing in a wobbly west coast dory, shouting into a bank of dense fog that had quickly appeared out of nowhere, covering us in our little skiff. Close to the shore... Continue Reading →
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere by me, Ken GrayAn index to other stories is here “God be with you.” “Oh Lord, not again. ‘God’ is so archaic. Surely ‘source of all being’ is better, more relevant, inclusive, and pleasing to the Divine.” “But you just said ‘Lord.’ There’s a problem there pal. Pate-ree-ark-al.”... Continue Reading →
Keith Lacey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for the Penticton Herald [Keith Lacey] Several of the region’s most accomplished jazz musicians have once again teamed up to release a new recording featuring their favourite vocal jazz compositions. The Crawford/Crossley Group has been performing and recording together since 2015. At the heart of the ensemble’s work are... Continue Reading →
On New Years Day I typically share W. H. Auden’s poem New Year Letter, a truly imaginative and insightful piece I commend to you once again. This year however, I want to share something different, a sort of what I got for Christmas this year kind of report. I have almost finished "Joyride: A Memoir"... Continue Reading →
Another in a series by me. For other chapters see below “What clipper did I use last time? Number three, or number four?” I had procrastinated long enough. Looking like a modern day Einstein, my hair scrambled madly off in all directions, a sort of Labradoodle look with a dry, scratchy beard attached. It was... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 