The Adult Chorale sings in Sunday services. The Adult Chorale also presents major choral works in concert. The Adult Chorale practices 7:00-9:30 pm on Wednesdays, and 9:00-9:45 am on Sundays.

The TrUUbadores are an intergenerational group for children and their parents and grandparents. They sing and play music that is light and of an eclectic nature that appeals to the many tastes of a UU congregation. There is no age limit. The TrUUbadores practice 9:45-10:15 am on Sundays.

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From Dr. David Katz, UUC Music Director:

Ode to Joyful

During his rather tempestuous life, Ludwig van Beethoven composed nine complete orchestral symphonies which made up a large contribution of an even larger body of compositions including piano sonatas, choral works, an opera, and string quartets.  Those genres of music compositions were only some of the highlights of his creativity written during a life which included an abusive father, failed relationships and perhaps the ultimate curse for any great musician, his deafness.

How odd it would seem that at the twilight of his relatively long life of fifty-seven years, Beethoven decided to compose a symphony which would conclude with text from poet Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode an die Freude” or “Ode to Joy.”  Schiller’s poetry resounds with poetic reference and allegory to both the spiritual and natural beauty of all that is around us.  Beethoven used this poem to cap off his career with a unique idea, a symphony which would use a quartet of vocal soloists as well as a full chorus of singers.  He would use this ecstatic and tremendous poem of inspiration to write his final work, one which he wrote in complete and utter deafness and at the end of a life filled with many trials.

Beethoven was a sort of music therapist, self-medicating his emotional wounds with music which would constantly reflect the ever-changing ebb and flow of his life.  During times of strife that reflected the darkness of his days, I can surmise that it must have been very cathartic to release the inner demons pulling at his soul.  During moments of joy and gratitude, Beethoven’s works practically leap off the page.  I believe that Beethoven instinctively knew the power of music over his life and was grateful for it.  And so, just as many others can sense the fading of their light on Earth, Beethoven sensed his end and chose to end his career and his life with a piece which bounces off the page in ecstasy like perhaps no other.

Beethoven knew the joy of music and how it wonderfully encapsulates and reflects the gifts around us.  Music is a great gift and is indeed therapy for the soul.  I think that as we focus our spiritual life at UUC on joy during the month of March, a chorale Sunday of beautiful music at the end of March is a very fitting tribute for our lives.  I look forward to sharing that Sunday with you on March 25^th.  I also think Herr Beethoven would be quite proud.

Blessed Be and Shalom, David
Dr. David Katz, Music Director

UUC Christmas Eve Service 2010

On the Member Page see more of the UUC Christmas Eve Service 2010

Dec 19, 2010 Service Celebrating Hope & Joy

On the Member Page see more of the Dec 19, 2010 Service Celebrating Hope & Joy