A sermon for the Anglican Congregation in Summerland, BCSunday, July 21, 2024 // The Very Rev. Ken Gray The idea was so simple. In exchange for presiding and preaching at Holy Eucharist for just two Sundays at the Church of the Nativity, Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia we would receive rectory accommodation at no cost to... Continue Reading →
Singing for my supper
I have now “sung for my supper,”--and I did actually sing, though not for my supper. In leading Anglican worship at the Church of the Nativity in Sandy Cove Nova Scotia on Sunday, July 14, 2024, I have now fulfilled my liturgical obligation. The deal was that I would lead worship for two successive Sundays... Continue Reading →
Fog
Leaving behind a hot and humid Halifax, driving south through the Annapolis Valley dotted with little towns, we have now arrived at Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, our home for the next six days. Passing through the fierce heat of the small University town of Wolfville, experiencing the friendliness of the Digby Atlantic Superstore, we were... Continue Reading →
In my lifetime I might hear the last nightingale
These are not my words but those of Sam Lee, a British musician, historian, and mystic. I learned of Lee’s work through a colleague, Cathy Campbell who recently urged me to watch the video "The Nightingale's Song." She wants to know my reaction, hence this blog. She writes “I'm so stirred . . . I'm... Continue Reading →
Sarah MacDonald’s Goldbergs – The performance of a lifetime
“I have done a fair bit in my life so far. (No kidding, ed.) This is definitely the thing of which I am most proud.” We at Regent Records are delighted to release Sarah MacDonald's beautiful new recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations, recorded in Ely Cathedral on the Cathedral's own recent Steinway D. The Cathedral's... Continue Reading →
In cathedrals and places where they sing
St. Paul's Cathedral, London, UK Guest Comment by Matthew LarkinSaturday, May 18, 2024 I have huge respect for Matthew Larkin. Our paths crossed briefly many years ago while he was director of music at St. John the Divine Church in Victoria BC. He is not only a brilliant musician who possesses a keen intellect which... Continue Reading →
“Open Ended” — a fine sermon for Easter season
A sermon preached by the Rev. Leighton Lee in St Mark’s, Niagara on the Lake on Sunday, March 31, 2024 Mozart’s Great C Minor Mass is one of the iconic unfinished masterworks in the canon of Western music. Yet even though it’s unfinished, it’s oddly complete, too. So I was dubious when I was invited... Continue Reading →
The McDades and Me – A concert for a lifetime!
https://youtu.be/CYrB2elUjxM Truth be told, I didn’t want to go out to hear the McDades a couple of nights ago. I have grown accustomed to watching television after supper in our comfy downstairs TV room. Acting however on an invitation from professional musician friends we dutifully trundled down to the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver BC,... Continue Reading →
Books, music, and healthy living—A very good news story
Reprinted from Jordan Copp-Local Journalism Initiative Reporter-Coast Reporter (via Penticton NOW) BC bookstore uses music ties to aid suicide prevention A Gibsons bookstore named Reasons to Live has been raising money for suicide prevention. Last year, they raised over $60,000–more than their store earns in a year. For more than a decade, the owners of Reasons... Continue Reading →