Yesterday morning, my friend and colleague, Jane Burke, died at 58. After I got the news, I sat at my desk stunned, looking straight across the office at the Oxford Book of Carols remembering Janes unmistakably beautiful voice and her laugh. She was immensely talented and creative, always faithful and a good listener. Jane gave afforded me many opportunities to teach and conduct without ever expecting anything in return. When I was the conductor of the Festival Singers of Atlanta, she was always the first to show up for rehearsal. But, what I remember most (and was most impacted by) about Jane, was that she lived with grace and dignity! No matter what was handed to her, whatever trials, or complaints, or church drama, or problems and illnesses, she was gracious, mostly concerned about the other person and as someone I know once said, she was a lady! (well, she also could tell you a really dirty joke whenever a laugh was needed) There are many memories of Jane conducting and singing the Durufle Requiem. This movement, simple but yet profound, is from the end of the requiem (funeral) mass. In someways it represent the very thin place between this life and the next. Listen closely… Youll hear Jane singing (really!). REQUIEM aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen xo
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:24:05 +0000
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