Music and Theatre at Harlaxton

First, in the "It's a Small World After All, Bethany Edition" category, was going into Grantham yesterday on the shuttle and got to talking with a visitor from Winston-Salem State University who had given a couple of guest lectures here this week and is looking to set up the program at his school. Turns out he is the son of Dr. Barry Richardson, former Econ prof and Dean of the Faculty at Bethany College from the late 60s. He lived on Point Breeze Drive when he was a boy, and we had an excellent visit recalling Bethanians from that era. Amazing how so many interesting people have dwelt along the banks of the Old Buffalo over the years and the extraordinary places that you run into them!

Then, in the evening, we had the pleasure of participating in "Death, Damnation, and British Studies, A Performance by the Harlaxton Choir and Players."

Sorry for the quality of the pix of the program, but forgot and folded it up before taking the picture. The evening featured the Harlaxton Choir of some 30 singers, including yours truly in his formal debut in the Bass section--seriously, and led by Visiting Professor James Larner of Marian University. Dr. Larner chose works that were linked to the themes or contexts of the British Studies program which all students take and included Gregorian chant (Dies Irae), early polyphonic music (Sumer is icumen in), and a contemporary arrangement of a traditional English melody (Autumn's Treasure). We also performed a couple of songs written by Dr. Kay Gandy, another Visiting Professor, the Sorting Hat Song, and a wonderful sendup of the British Studies class. We sang in the Great Hall here in the Manor which has acoustics comparable to Commencement Hall, although on a smaller scale.

The evening also featured an abridged version of "The Summoning of Everyman," acted and directed by students. In addition, Dr. Larner and two students presented a lovely flute trio by an English composer from the Hundred Years War era, John Dunstable, and a another student did a wonderful job with Dido's Lament by Purcell, a 17th century English composer. We ensured a standing ovation by ending with God Save the Queen. When in Rome. . . ! The point is that you don't have to give up music or theatre while you are studying here for a semester, so I would encourage students to consider that as well when thinking about coming here.

Finally, a tinge of sadness in the evening though. It was Stephanie's last night here. She was off to Heathrow this morning at 6:30 a.m. Will miss her desperately for the next 8 weeks.