This Thankgiving, I’m devoting my little blog post to my cat Ollivander. Having wanted a cat my whole life and never having had one, I am absolutely in love with our precious kitty, and I’m so thankful for him. My husband and daughters and I agree that Ollivander has changed our lives profoundly. He’s simply the best thing that’s ever happened to our family. After our three pet ratties passed away (yes, we had pet rats for 2 years) we knew we needed a new therapy pet. I wasn’t sure if we could afford a cat, and I was worried that our allergies would prevent us from enjoying having him in our home. I was worried he would be too messy, that he would ruin the carpet or the furniture, that he would be a nuisance. But when the chance came to adopt a kitten, I took a leap of faith. Maybe we got lucky, but somehow we ended up with the PERFECT cat. And yes, he can be messy and a little unruly sometimes, but his comic timing and endless loving cuddliness make it all worth while. I can’t thank God enough for this little precious creature. And I can’t imagine how we ever got along without him. Like Natalie says, “now our family is complete” — gotta give thanks for that!
Do you have a pet or other being that you’re thankful for? Pics please!
In the meantime…
Conducting
On Christmas Eve, I’m conducting the Neighborhood Chorus on “What Sweeter Music” by John Rutter, and “Bethelehemu” by Wendell Whalum. I would love to have more singers on all voice parts, so here’s your monthly invitation to join us! We rehearse on Thursday nights in the sanctuary from 7:15pm-9pm.
Neighborhood Chorus is a non-auditioned chorus open to all adults. Our repertoire consists of a variety of classical and non-classical styles, sung in various languages. No training is necessary, however classical choral experience and/or basic sight reading skills are encouraged. Neighborhood Chorus sings 3 Sundays per month at the 11:30am service. COVID vaccination is required of all singers, and we wear masks for the duration of all rehearsals and services.
Please fill out this short form to let me know you plan to sing with us this year. Or just email me.
Composition
I’m flying up to Seattle to hear the premiere of my new choral anthem “Ecstatic Expectancy” at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral for Advent Lessons and Carols conducted by the Canon for Cathedral Music, Michael Kleinschmidt on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Now I feel like a REAL composer!
Upcoming events
NANM Western Regional Holiday Party
NANM Western Regional Holiday Party is Saturday, November, 27th 2021 @ 5-8pm. Venue address: Marmalade Café 2014 E. Park Place, El Segundo, CA. Menu: Veggie Plate, Salmon, and Steak. Eat, drink, and be merry while enjoying live performances, singing Christmas Carols, and celebrating NANM. Door prizes valued at $100. Tickets are $55.
Harvard-Westlake Winter Choral Concert
Harvard-Westlake Winter Choral Concert, Friday, December 10 at 7:30pm in Rugby Auditorium on the upper school campus (proof of vaccination required). My choirs are singing music of Moira Smiley, Juhi Bansal, and Morten Lauridsen, among others. And my HW Jazz Singers are performing with live jazz combo!
Zanaida speaks at Walt Disney Concert Hall
On Sunday , December 19 I’m doing a “Listen Up!” pre-concert talk about Handel’s “Messiah” with Grant Gershon and Jennifer Miller at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Get tickets and come on by.
These features originally appeared in Zanaida’s November newsletters. Are you on the list? Sign up here!
