ring in the peace

A year ago I came to Houston for the December concert at the Bayou Bend cistern.

I was determined to return this December.

We entered a cool and darkish space

Ars Lyrica presented Ring in the Peace, a musical journey from the ninth century onward.

The cistern experience was curated by Mexican-born mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte and a percussionist.

It’s so moving to hear voice and percussion as you stand silent and gaze downward, watching the colors change.

One could hear the soloist slowly coming toward us. Then passing by.

Continuing along the path, her reflection seen below.

Just like the Taize music from the evening before, it was memorizing.

I had a chance to speak with Cecilia as we exited. A beautiful young woman, with the gift of beauty of voice.

The season of Advent is a time for us to silence ourselves to allow us to prepare for the coming of Jesus. For me this means times of quiet. Both the service of Taize and the cistern sights and sounds, gave me the needed quiet.

Driving home had its own quiet ways.