Re: Churches, part 2

[Rachelle and Howard Shubert <shubert...>]

Warning, more ramblings:

Those of us who have pursued degrees in music, especially as  voice majors,
 have been faced with the requirement to be in the music deparatment choir.
 The standard recital repertoire pretty much all classical singers must
study includes the sacred music of the great composers.  Being inside the
harmonies of this choral music was a truly awe-inspiring experience.  

I did not feel compromised by this until, as a performance requirement of
the concert choir, we were to sing at the university chapel Easter service.
 I did not see this as a problem until, from the choir loft, I heard the
sermon. While the priest did not actually blame the Jews, he implied that
the Jews were the hypocrites and problem-makers.  He failed to note that
Jesus was Jewish.  This attitude is not news to anyone on the list, I am
sure.  As the only Jew in the choir, I felt humiliated and angry and very
much like walking out.  Of course, that was impossible under the
circumstances.  I made a mental note to myself not to find myself at an
Easter service again.  

This experience has made me reluctant to join any of the professional
choirs in my city and hesitant to register my children, who are both
wonderful singers, in the excellent youth choirs available near us.  



Rachelle








Rachelle Mingail Shubert
Montreal
shubert (at) total(dot)net