Don came to Spokane and gave a righteous presentation at the beautiful Bing Crosby Theater. (Bing used to play drums in the pit.)

A great time in New Orleans, though not enough time to spend MORE time in the French Quarter. Still, a productive meeting, overall.

Cary with NPR President Gary Knell

The University of Notre Dame’s festival/conference, James MacMillan and the Musical Modes of Mary and the Cross, September 13-15, 2012 was simply terrific. In addition to a keynote by Scottish composer James MacMillan, there were presentations by Libby Larsen, Daniel Kellogg, Stephen Mager, Tawny Olsen, and yours truly. It was a bit like being in on Vatican III:  “Three days of creativity, connection, and celebration around the issues of composing and performing sacred music today in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Holy Cross.” I’d encourage a return to this in the years to come!

I came across this beautiful performance of the Ave Maria by the East Carolina University Chamber Singers.  Bravi, and thank you!

Coming up at the University of Notre Dame: James MacMillan and the Musical Modes of Mary and the Cross, September 13-15, 2012 at the Conference Center in McKenna Hall and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in South Bend, Indiana. “Three days of creativity, connection, and celebration around the issues of composing and performing sacred music today in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Holy Cross.”

Directors Margot Fassler and Carmen-Helena Tellez invite established and emerging composers and conductors of sacred music to share their work and to join in the panels and workshops. Performers and church musicians are welcome to enjoy and learn from a festival conference featuring Guest Composer James MacMillan with guest panelists Cary Boyce, Daniel Kellogg, Libby Larsen, Stephen Mager, Robinson McClellan, Tawnie Olson, and others to be announced.

For more information and registration, visit the University of Notre Dame Dept. of Theology website.