Nunc Dimittis

The music composed in Israel is much like the population
itself--it defies classification. The country is composed of people representing
a spectrum of geographic, religious and cultural backgrounds. This potpourri of
influences, interests and traditions is clearly manifested in the music of
Israel's composers. While it is difficult to pinpoint a definitive school of
composition, it is precisely this diversity which commands interest.

Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and the Westfield Center, Orcas, Washington, presented an international conference entitled “Central/Southern European influences on Bach,” June 7–10, 2006. The conference celebrated the new cathedral organ by Hellmuth Wolff, Laval, Quebec, Canada, and honored organ virtuoso, historian and teacher, Harald Vogel, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany.

Day One - Sunday, June 21

The convention day began at 1 p.m., the morning being filled
with arrivals and registrations. First venue: The Paramount Theater, with its
remarkable 20-rank WurliTzer, which speaks clearly and forcefully into the room
from big, open chambers on either side. The Pedal is incredibly strong and
quick. There is a tremendous variety of solo sounds, all of which we heard.

Returning to the land of one's birth is a peculiar
business for the expatriate. Will things have changed beyond recognition? Will those favorite places still be there? Will one still feel at home? Or uncomfortably out of step with current tastes and fashions?