From the Music Director’s Desk
As the dust settles on our seventh UK cathedral pilgrimage, I want us all to pause and truly rejoice in what we just accomplished. Singing twelve services of Choral Evensong and two Choral Eucharists in the magnificent, historic spaces of Norwich and Canterbury Cathedrals was a profound privilege.
Standing in those ancient stalls, our diverse voices united—supported as always by Jonathan Dimmock’s extraordinary playing at the organ—we stepped directly into a living stream of centuries of musical prayer. To offer our song in places where praise has echoed for a thousand years is a holy, transformative experience. And, what a pleasant surprise it was to welcome our priest-in-charge, Lizette Larson-Miller, to join us in Canterbury and sing with the choir!
We took on this immense effort for the highest reasons:
Soli Deo Gloria: First and foremost, we worked hard, raised funds, and rehearsed tirelessly to offer our very best for the glory of God.
Building Community: We drew together singers of varying backgrounds and abilities, supported one another, and forged a deeper, more resilient fellowship.
Connecting with Sacred History: We brought the living tradition of St. Mark’s, Berkeley into conversation with the vast heritage of the global Anglican Communion.
Reflecting on a 35-Year Journey
At my very first rehearsal in September 1992, I shared a dream: shepherding our choir to England to sing Evensong. At the time, some folks didn’t even know what Evensong was! It took eleven years of foundational work, but in 2003 we launched the first tour:
2003 (Tour 1): St. George’s Windsor, Chichester, Clare College Cambridge, Bury St. Edmund’s, and Gloucester
What followed has been an extraordinary legacy:
2007 (Tour 2): Lincoln & Durham
2011 (Tour 3): Salisbury & Truro
2014 (Tour 4): Norwich & Wells
2017 (Tour 5): Ely & Bristol
2023 (Tour 6): Wells & Durham
2026 (Tour 7): Norwich & Canterbury
After decades of making music together, it can be easy to view these remarkable achievements as second nature. But they are never routine.
They are the direct result of intense sacrifice, deep devotion, and a shared passion for sacred song. But most importantly, the support from this congregation and the many others who understand the depth of the experiences and the positive impact it has on our musical life in our parish is paramount.
With Sincere Gratitude
A tour of this caliber requires a massive village, and this pilgrimage would not have been possible without the dedication of so many:
Our Supporters & Staff Singers: Utmost thanks to everyone who contributed to the Tour Scholarship Fund, ensuring that the twenty-eight members of the choir who were able to participate could participate. Thanks to the sixteen additional singers (former choir members and friends) who shared their voices, and to our dedicated staff singers, Ellen Leslie, Rita Lilly, Rowan Taymuree, and Ed Betts who fortified our ensemble.
Travel & Operations: Immense gratitude to Simon Baldwin and Charter Travel for seamlessly organizing our journey, and to Marguerite Barron for her meticulous work as tour registrar.
Music & Vestments: Thank you to Andrea Stufflebeem for managing the music of the tour and to Lizzy Creager and Margo Strakosch for organizing the vestments and the numerous members of their vestment team. Together, they transported twenty-nine vestments!
My hope now is that we don’t simply move on to the next thing, but truly savor what we offered, experienced, and received. Let us cherish the community we have built, honor the hard work it took to get here, and never take for granted the sacred responsibility and joy we share each time we gather to sing.
You have helped to repair the world, one note, and one liturgy at a time.
For Thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord,
George Emblom
Director of Music