FEELING LUCKY

Having just wrapped up my final conducting masterclass of the trip, I've been reflecting all weekend on just how lucky I am to get to travel and share the joys and lessons of music with so many. Over the last two evenings, our three hour masterclasses with 6 auditioned conductors and the great singers of the CUHK chorus has brought laughs, learning and fun as we've sung works by Bruckner, Palestrina, Gjeilo, Nystedt and others. A particularly proud moment was having former Butler student Jonathan Ngai in the masterclass, and getting a special surprise visit from another former student, Eric Yau, whom I hadn't seen in about five years!

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During all this time, I've so enjoyed my time getting to more fully experience the great cities of Tokyo and Hong Kong, meeting other musicians, conductors and teachers, seeing incredible sights and have I mentioned the food?? 😉 This morning a short walk up the hill at Hong Kong Island brought me to Saint John's Cathedral, where the choir even had some Herbert Howells on the docket. Lucky indeed!

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Music brings people together. That's something I've known for a long time, though I doubt I've ever felt it more keenely. Now, with fresh photos, gifts, facebook friend likes and memories, I'm aware of being luckier than anyone deserves. To travel, meet and make friends, to share the joy of singing…yeah, that's a pretty good way to spend a sabbatical. Thanks for following, and to all my Indy singer friends, we'll be back together very soon for an incredible Festival of Carols!

To my hosts, helpers, singers and guides, thanks for an amazing experience. I look forward to returning the favor!
Randy, Rachel, Martie, Scott, Denise, Jacquelyn, Megan, Brother Michel, Leon, Katie, Monica, Kittie, Raymond, Roger and Dennis.

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