by Ellena on November 6, 2017
On Sunday, November 5, 2017, I performed the mezzo solos in the Mozart Requiem at St. James Episcopal Church with music director Peter Waggoner conducting his church choir and an orchestra. The Mozart Requiem was integrated into the traditional All Souls Day mass, which honors those who have gone before us in life and death. […]
by Ellena on September 18, 2016
Recital and Evensong John King Carter and I performed an afternoon of music at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family on September 18, 2016. What a warm and enthusiastic audience! Here is a description of the concert in photographs and videos. All credits (and many thanks!) to Oana Hogrefe Photography. Biblical Songs by Antonín […]
by Ellena on April 3, 2016
In my career as a singer, I’ve had the privilege of giving multiple world premier performances. The first major world premiere was creating the role of Mrs. Gibbs in Ned Rorem’s opera Our Town. The second was performing as the mezzo-soprano soloist in Edwin Penhorwood’s monumental oratorio, An American Requiem. I’ve also had two composers […]
by Ellena on February 21, 2016
Today during communion I sang the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” arranged by composer Raymond K. Liebau. Here’s a truncated personal story about this superb arrangement: During my DMA dissertation research, I corresponded with a generous composer. He gave me the best arrangement of this spiritual I’ve ever encountered. I’ve been glad to share […]
by Ellena on December 25, 2015
If you’re a musician, then the best thing about Christmas is the fantastic music! Usually, after singing from 12:00 – 2 p.m. and 6:00- 12:00 midnight on Christmas Eve, (yes that’s a total of approximately 8 hours), I go to a pancake breakfast & celebration from 12:30 – 3:30 a.m. This year, the pancake breakfast […]
by Ellena on December 16, 2015
For the third year in a row, I’ve been asked to be the musician at the Blue Christmas service that All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta offers as an alternative to the festive Nativity of Our Lord on Christmas Eve. Blue Christmas is an intimate service that both honors the presence of sadness and darkness in […]
by Ellena on November 16, 2015
I was the leading musician at the Celebration of Life at Canterbury Court Retirement Home on Monday, November 16, 2015. Did I step in to help the day before the service? Yes. Was it a blessing to me and others? Yes. What did we sing and play? Gorgeous compositions. Solo Violin during the Prelude: Bach’s […]
by Ellena on October 11, 2015
What fun to be accompanied by dogs barking, cats meowing, and birds tweeting during today’s Feast of St. Francis of Assisi! I sang two arrangements from Southern Harmony by my friend Frank Pesci: “Wondrous Love” and “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.” “Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us […]
by Ellena on July 4, 2015
This was a really cool day. I was asked to be the presiding and only musician at the Recovery Eucharist on Independence Day 2015. The service was a special offering from the Diocese of Atlanta during the International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. The service incorporated the 12-step program as part of the worship service. I […]
by Ellena on December 17, 2014
This evening, we offered a service of darkness and light through scripture, prayer, and song. As the musician, I sang “I wonder as I wander,” “Silent Night,” and “Away in a Manger.” I also brought my violin and to offer reflection music and accompany the hymns. It is a delight to lead worship with the Reverend […]