In Perfect Harmony
ABOUT
Welcome to the new Choral Planet blog space, In Perfect Harmony. Millions of us around the world express ourselves—and our artistry—through choral singing or conducting. Countless stories celebrate the soul-stirring power of choral music: the joy, inspiration, laughter, tears, awe, and goosebumps.
I hope these stories bring a smile to your face. Please leave a comment, letting the authors know you appreciate them sharing their story. If you have a story to share and would like to be a guest author on the blog, please reach out to me. In these uncertain times, the music we create together is a balm for the soul. Keep singing and conducting, friends!
POST INTRODUCTIONS
February 18, 2025
Music of This Sphere by Sarah Metcalf offers a captivating glimpse into the unforgettable premiere of A Passion for the Planet by Geoffrey Hudson. I had the profound honor of conducting this concert—an evening etched in my memory forever. As climate change intensifies amidst political turmoil, the role of music as a unifying force becomes more vital than ever. “Let us sing, all as one, in the great human choir.”
In Olympics Memories, Leo Mascariñas reflects on his extraordinary experience performing in Japan as a member of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers (Madz). His journey took him to the Imperial Palace, where the ensemble sang before Emperor Hirohito—an unforgettable moment in his musical career.
Discover the magic of the Wayzata High School Madrigal Choir in Sue Ann Rawlins’ delightful story, Madrigal Magic. This wasn’t just the “cool” choir—it was a musical family, bound by harmony and a deep sense of belonging, all nurtured under the inspiring leadership of their director Jim Gall.
February 9, 2025
The first three posts, written by guest authors Glenn Miller, Mary Breden, and Marge Shenk, are sure to inspire you. Glenn and Mary share their reflections on two of the world’s most renowned conductors, Robert Shaw and Paul Salamunovich. Glenn offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his first summer as a member of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers, including the iconic recording of Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil. Mary shares how Paul influenced her as a musician, his association with Maurice Duruflé, and his extraordinary career as an artist-teacher.
For those of you who carpool to rehearsals—or even if you don’t—you’ll enjoy Marge’s delightful story about her bumpy travels through Chicago’s streets to rehearsals. And you’ll hear about Rose, whose presence leaves a lasting impression on the story.
Madrigal Magic
Grace my lovely one, fair beauties, fair beauties! Our sixteenth-century madrigal had made its way into the Civics 101 classroom to celebrate the birthday of
Olympics Memories
August 2021. For the past two weeks, I have been watching the 2020 Olympics (actually held in 2021) on television. My mind has taken me
Music of This Sphere
To tell the story of the single most thrilling concert I have ever sung in, first I have to go to the dark places –
Pilgrims on the Road to Sonic Heaven
We were the Pony Express of choral singers: “neither snow, nor sleet, nor death of night could keep us from our duty…” We got there.
A Memory of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers in France, 1989
In 1989 I, along with many other singers and conductors from across the United States, had the privilege of gathering together in Souillac, France, for
INTERSECTIONS
I was very fortunate to grow up in a home that was filled with music. Growing up in Redondo Beach, California, part of my daily