I was asked to join the choir on the
Oklahoma portion of their tour to do some videotaping. I had the
pleasure of interviewing some of the choir members who have been in
the ensemble for over 25 years. During my interviews I was struck by
GDC's rich history, and how this history speaks each time they sing.
Some of the members spoke about their experience of traveling to
Russia in the early 90's. Of being the first American choir brought
in behind the Iron curtain – and the privilege of being able to
sing to the people of Russia, in their own Russian language, music
that had been withheld from them for many years. I was also struck by
their extensive training in Gregorian Chant and how more and more
people are gravitating toward this pure form of music.
GDC has an intense commitment to
singing truthfully, both technically and spiritually, which makes
them unique from other groups. Some of the members I interviewed
spoke of when they first entered the choir they were among the
youngest members and now they are the oldest members - how they now
feel responsible to pass on to the young people who are now training
in GDC, the history, the training, the faith, and the mission this
world renowned ensemble embodies.
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