Annual Appreciation Concert and Dinner - Sunday May 4, 2008
Annual Appreciation Concert and Dinner - Sunday May 4, 2008 How often do you get a chance to hear a Metropolitan Opera world class singer? How often do you hear one in a small group of 60 people in the lovely, sacred setting of our Cathedral?
On a sunny Sunday in May , the members of the Bishops’ Legacy Fellowship gathered at the Cathedral for the Annual Appreciation Concert and Dinner hosted by the bishop. We were welcomed warmly by Bishop Gordon Scruton and the dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev. James Munroe just prior to a wonderful concert given by John Cheek, parishioner at St. James’, Great Barrington, accompanied by Peter Beardsley, The Cathedral’s Canon Precentor.
Bishop Scruton Addresses Fellowship Gathering
For more photos of the event, click on "Photos" above.
John chose a wonderfully rich and varied program that included the masters Purcell, Handel, Bach, Hayden, Mendlessohn and Verdi as well as more contemporary composers. Most of his selections were sacred in tone, befitting the Cathedral setting, and yet they offered much variety, making his singing accessible for all to appreciate. He also sang a song, “The Lamb,” which was written for him by Paul Hamill, former organist at St. James’, Great Barrington, and he put some new words to Aaron Copeland’s “The Dodger.”
Peter’s contributions on the piano, harpsichord and organ were significant and were far more than background accompaniment. We were in awe of these two wonderful musicians, and their talents amazed us!
After a brief social time in the Library we enjoyed our dinner in the historic Kendrick Room. The bishop gave us a brief “history lesson” commenting on the portraits of bishops and deans hanging on the walls.
And then he commended the 134 members from 38 different parishes spread throughout our Diocese. He ended his after-dinner talk with heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all those who have become a part of the Bishops’ Legacy Fellowship by making legacy-giving part of their own ministry.
- by E. John White, Missioner for Legacy Stewardship.