Zack Vayda and the Bright Morning Star

In high school and college I was heavily involved in music. I started with the drum set, dabbled in piano and guitar, began singing and in college fully moved to choir. I was blessed to have not one but two phenomenal teachers (one in high school and one in college) that instilled the love for music and performing that I still have today.

The husband of our organist at my alma mater recently passed, and our organist asked my old choir professor if the Chamber Singers, a smaller vocal ensemble from the college, would mind singing at his funeral this Saturday. Dr. Highben, my old choir professor, texted me and a group of my old classmates who still live in the area, asking if we would be willing to sing with the Chamber Singers for the funeral. Every single one of us said yes. Although the circumstances are tough, I'm very excited to sing under the direction of Dr. Highben alongside some of the best vocalists I know. 

One of the pieces we're singing for the funeral is a piece I sang while still in college. I had the honor of performing it in St. Thomas Kirche in Leipzig, Germany, the church that is the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach. I cannot explain the overwhelming feelings of awe and reverence that experience gave me, being able to perform with a world-class choir in the place where so much musical beauty was born. It will always be one of my favorite memories.

The piece, Bright Morning Star arranged by Fred Squatrito, is an Appalachian a cappella spiritual. I can hear a hollow, earthy quality to the sound. It reminds me of something much more real, connected to this world and not above it. It gives me a sense of real longing, although I don't know quite what it is I'm longing for. The link is below, if you care to experience it for yourself. This performance was recorded when I performed it in St. Thomas Kirche. You may recognize the blonde head in the back row.

Bright Morning Star arr. Fred Squatrito

I highly encourage your best headphones and a moment to close your eyes.

What does it make you long for?