CPCU Concert Readings

From the writings of Hungarian composer, Zoltán Kodály…

It is not worth singing for ourselves; it is nicer if two people sing together. Then more people: hundreds, thousands, until the huge Harmony can be heard, in which we can all be just one, indeed. Then will we be able to say: “May the whole world be happy!”

From the teaching of Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh …

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child — our own two eyes. All is a miracle.

From Nobel-prize-winning American novelist, Pearl S. Buck…

I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in the kindness of human beings. I am so absorbed in the wonder of earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and angels.

From humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Mother Theresa…

There is much suffering in the world — physical, material, mental. The suffering of some can be blamed on the greed of others. The material and physical suffering is suffering from hunger, from homelessness, from all kinds of diseases. But the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.

From American President Jimmy Carter…

I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

From American political scientist & diplomat, and the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Ralph J. Bunche…

Peace is no mere matter of men fighting or not fighting. Peace, to have meaning for many who have known only suffering in both peace and war, must be translated into bread or rice, shelter, health, and education, as well as freedom and human dignity — a steadily better life. If peace is to be secure, long-suffering and long-starved, forgotten peoples of the world, the underprivileged and the undernourished, must begin to realize without delay the promise of a new day and a new life.

CPCU after the concert (8/10/07)

CPCU @ Goodfriends

Becca & Judy

Marla & Melissa

Erin & Carole

Karen, Stephanie & Jan

Julie, Martha & Glenn

Darrell, Sarah & Martha

Jess, Rick & Peg

Luiz & Ben

Brian, Cheryl & Kareen

Amy & Ben

Mel & Shawn

JD & Josh

Melissa & Sue

Rosemarie & Raine

CPCU @ Seven 30 South

Rick & Darrell

Peg

Kareen & Cheryl

Martha & Carole

Jonathon & Jess

JD, Taliacyn & Melissa

CPCU @ Smiling Moose Deli

Kristy & Susan

Jeff & Martha

Stephanie & Andrea

Betty, Claire & John

CPCU @ the Squealin' Pig

Brian & Luiz

Mel & Jim

Dan & Karen

Kareen & Cheryl

Frank, John, Dana & Amy

Jess, Martha & Carole

Stephanie & Darrell

Dianna & Jan

Josh, JD & Melissa

CPCU @ Smiling Moose Deli

Sarah & Jan

Pat & Kristy

Donieta & Stephanie

Betty & Ann

CPCU & Food Bank of the Rockies

Dear Choral Union,
Our third rehearsal last Sunday night was our best yet -- I continue to be impressed with your commitment to learning our repertoire at such a rapid pace. Thank you again for your hard work.

Many of you have noticed the social justice theme running through much of our concert repertoire, especially in pieces like Famine Song, Children of Peace, and I Am Only One. I feel strongly that our time together this summer can make a real difference in the Denver community, in addition to the pure enjoyment of singing together. With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that all proceeds from our two concerts on August 10 & 12 will be donated to Food Bank of the Rockies.

The mission of Food Bank of the Rockies states: "We will end hunger by efficiently procuring and distributing food and essentials to people in need through our partner agencies in northern Colorado and Wyoming." The FBR website continues, "Even in this 'land of plenty' there are many people who don't have enough to eat. Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) strives to create a place for everyone at the table. In the area served by FBR over 450,000 people live in poverty and struggle to meet their basic food needs; over 151,000 of them are children. Hunger is especially hard on children, who make up 47% of our clients and must have proper nutrition to grow and learn. In today's uncertain economy, the need for food assistance continues to increase."

Tickets to our two concerts will be available to check out this Wednesday -- this is such an exciting opportunity to give the gift of song to our friends and family, and at the same time give the gift of food to members of our community. Let's plan to pack the houses on August 10 & 12!

Thanks to everyone who socialized after Sunday's rehearsal at Gelato d'Italia -- we had around 25 CPCU members drop by for gelato and fellowship!

Plan to drop in before rehearsal this Wednesday (6:00-6:45 p.m.) at the Smiling Moose Deli, located right across Colorado Blvd. from Christ Church. "Sandwiches should be fun."

Following rehearsal, plan to join the Choral Union at the Squealin' Pig (2700 E. 3rd Ave.) in Cherry Creek North. Another favorite from last season, the Squealin' Pig is one of Denver's best Irish pub experiences -- I hope that many of you will be able to join us for a pint (of water, of course) after rehearsal this Wednesday!

The Squealin' Pig is located at 2700 E. 3rd Ave. -- click here for a map with directions from Christ Church.