Appreciation

From Lawrence Ries: Dear Mark and members of the NOVA Community Chorus,

I’m just beginning to come down from the high I have been on from the performances of Sea Surface Full of Clouds.

First, Mark, words are totally inadequate to express my thanks for all you did personally to make the performances happen.  I am humbled and gladdened by your very kind words about my music, and all of your time, energy, and musical skills you put into rehearsals and performances.  I am especially grateful for your suggestions for improving the music.

Second, words also fail me to express my appreciation for all the effort the chorus members put into making the performances successful.  It’s one thing to hear the music in your head, but to actually hear the parts sung by live human beings is so much more satisfying and rewarding.  It’s been a dream of mine to hear Sea Surface performed for almost 30 years.  Now that dream has come true.  I am one of the most fortunate people in the world to have had that happen.

Finally, I am aware of all of the extra effort many of the chorus members made to sing Sea Surface well.  I’m afraid the music was not so easy for them.  But I am humbled by their expressions to me of how much they liked the piece and how much they enjoyed the challenge of learning it.  Their enthusiasm for it surprised and pleased me very much.  My only regret is that Sea Surface has so little music in it for the chorus.  As a current church choir member and a former chorus singer myself, I know what a joy it is to sing choral music.  Perhaps the next time I will have more music for the chorus.

Please feel free to share this email with the chorus so they know how much I appreciate the wonderful effort you and they made on behalf of Sea Surface Full of Clouds – A Cantata.

With deepest thanks,

Lawrence Ries