So, what is a choral residency anyway?
Nobody we have met on this trip, outside the choir world, seems to know what it is, so I thought that might be a good place to start.
Eric and I have explained to folks who ask about it like this: choirs, mostly from the United States, are invited to take over musical duties when a cathedral’s choir is on summer holiday, in order to maintain the long tradition of almost daily choral evensong in English Cathedrals. We tell them these choirs have to audition, and that to be asked to sing at Durham, as I understand it, is a pretty high honor.
If I’m honest, before Organist-Choirmaster Kristin Lensch came to Calvary, I didn’t really have an affinity for evensong. It wasn’t something I had experience with, but after 12 years with her, she has made it a part of my musical soul. It turns out she is an amazing advocate, and I am grateful that I get to hang around and watch her create incredible magic with this diverse group of people in this very specific way. There is a rhythm to evensong in choral residency, and ours is just starting to gel with two evensongs under our belt at the end of day three.
There are seventy-eight of us in total on this trip, of which 40 are singing evensong every night except Thursday. The other 38 couldn’t be a better group of supporters. When we began this trip on Sunday night, gathering at a hotel in Edinburgh for our opening meal, it was obvious to everyone paying attention that this was a special group. It was obvious to the front desk staff at the hotel as well.
Imagine the scene. People were filtering down to the lobby of the hotel with palpable excitement. Some of us saw each other just a week ago, but for others, it has been a bit longer. Some of us haven’t seen each other since our last trip 3 years ago, and others of us have never met. People are buzzing, hugging, greeting each other, and sharing stories of their travels. Ebet is handing out name tags, to no one’s surprise. It immediately felt like home. Like we’ve been here before. At one point amid the chaos, as I’m trying to direct folks to start going into the restaurant for dinner, I catch the eye of two of the hotel front desk staff. Seeing my name tag, one of them gets my attention, saying, “Shannon, can we ask you a question?” I say, “Sure,” and one of them says, “What kind of group is this?”
I wasn’t sure what they meant, but I told them we are a choir from Memphis and explained that we are about to go on a choral residency in Durham. They proceed to tell me the nicest observation. They say, “We’ve seen a LOT of groups at this hotel, but have NEVER seen one like this. We couldn’t figure it out. You all seem so happy to see each other and just to be together.” They wondered if we were a family of some kind. They were touched by the generosity of this group of folks toward each other and said it was unique. I realized they were right. I looked around and remembered again how special it is what we are doing together.
And that’s really what this week is about: making connections. I met a woman from a choir in Switzerland who attended tonight’s evensong. Their choir is starting a residency themselves tomorrow at Carlisle Cathedral, just west of here, south of the Scottish border. She was visibly moved and asked if we were a professional choir. I explained that we have eight staff singers and the rest of us are auditioned volunteers. She complimented our diction and phrasing, but more so, our way of being together as a choir. She was so happy they had stopped in to hear our choir; we brought her joy.
And that’s what we hope to do for the next few days: bring joy to the people of Durham, but also to this very special Calvary Choir family, and I’m looking forward to every single note.
I am following along with You Tube and all the wonderful postings on Facebook. And you ARE a special group! Even though I am not in the Choir, I get the benefit of that warmth and camaraderie every Sunday at Calvary. Love each and every one of you!
You sang tenor with me one Sunday, so you ARE a part of the choir!
Thank you for this and may you continue to enjoy your wonderful trip ! Give my buddy Eric a hug for me and have a safe trip home. Nancy
What a lovely story! Thank you, Shannon!
❤️ you should join us on one of these one day!
Thank you for sharing, Shannon. I can imagine the joy that you all bring to each other and to those who hear you sing!
It really is a lovely experience. ❤️
Well that just made my heart very happy.
Love hearing all of this. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Shannon. I’m so proud of all of you and so glad to be part of the Calvary family you all represent. Sing you hearts out!!
Thanks, Mary Jane we’ll do our very best!
Since we are usually somewhere other than a place to be still during the day, Charles and I look forward to Evensong at Central Time Zone Evening. Thank you all
Love that you are listening. ❤️
Love love love this and we are sending prayers for your time in Durham and for your safe return home!
You are a dear one! ❤️
Thank you sooo much Shannon for this wonderful story. Its very special to Me and Dick right now for many reasons I hope to share with you someday. I will stay tuned for more and we will be listening♥️♥️
Thanks Zara! Sending much love from Durham.
Exactly right, Shannon Tucker!!!
We are a fabulous, kind, and loving community.
It shows!!!!♥️♥️♥️
It does!! ❤️❤️❤️
Shannon, I got chills as I read your description of our Calvary friends greeting each other with such love that the front desk staff wanted to know more. Making God’s love visible! Thank you for reminding me of how blessed we are to have each other.
Thanks Julie, we are a pretty fortunate group of folks.
I love this so much, Shannon! I can feel the energy and love being shared in that lobby, and I know the music you are sharing with everyone is such a gift! I’m loving all the posts and pics! Give that sweet sister of mine a hug! The joy from her smiles in Durham makes my heart soar!
so excited for you, Shannon
Thank you Shannon for this lovely update! We miss everyone and pray that your week in Durham is filled with unexpected blessings! Sing praises to God!
I can read the joy coming through with every word you write. Enjoy every minute, and be safe.
Reading this, I felt like I was getting a little taste of the joy you all are bringing to Durham. Thank you for the update. Wish John and I were there.
Shannon, I’m sitting at my kitchen table with tears. How awesome. I’m glad others see what a very unique group you all are. Have an awesome week, take care, stay safe and Gods speed for your return.
So beautiful!!! I was smiling reading every line! Thank you Shannon. Edwin and I miss Calvary so much, this makes my heart leap. Keep spreading the joy!
What a good story! I hope you are having a good time. Are you recording any of the Evensongs? I’d love to hear them!
Love,
Mommy