The Autumn leaves and winds are already beginning to blow!! Generally it is recognized that the beginning of September is the Meteorological Autumn. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, September is the beginning of the ecclesiastical year! For most of us this time is the beginning of the academic year as all schools, colleges, universities and public schools start classes around September! September is Latin for seven since September was only the seventh month out of ten months in the old Roman Calendar. Many times in history and especially in European countries, September was the Harvest month!
So as I look at the calendars of the many religious organizations around Chicago I see various names associated or assigned to the next weekend after Labor Day – “Rally Sunday” – “Rally Day and Block Party” – “First Festival” – “Open House Sunday” – and “Opening Sunday”! Obviously this is all in order to bring the congregation members back to worship and the start of the choir/choral season – hence the real Back-To-Work season for all musicians!!
Please check the Chapter website for a full listing of Chapter programs/events for this 2022-2023 Chapter Season – I am sure that there will be several unique and interesting events! The first event will be the complete works of Cesar Franck played by Scott Detra at Glenview Community Church on Friday September 30th at 7:00pm and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston on Sunday October 2nd at 4:00pm.
So, welcome to the Autumn/Fall festivals and choir season and enjoy the music of the season!!
Bob Woodworth Jr.
Dean