Upcoming Performances

Still. Waters.

Water is essential for life. 70 percent of Earth’s surface is water, and at least 60 percent of the human body is water. Scientists search for signs of water on other planets as a presumed indicator of life. Water has transformed deserts into gardens, and its lack has transformed gardens into deserts.

Humans have always had deep feelings towards water. The Old Testament psalmist sang about water. The Qur'an describes 23 different kinds of water. Water is used in rituals to bathe, to bless, to purify. The ocean's waves mesmerize, the gurgling stream delights, the sun setting over a lake enchants. Water fascinates us endlessly.

At the Park Slope Singers Spring concerts, you will be calmed by restful water, wade in the water, run to the water and cross troubled water with spirituals and music by Paul Simon and Carly Simon. You will confront a wide river and long for a distant one with music by Billy Joel and with traditional folk songs. You will set out onto the deep with sea shanties and a Japanese fisherman’s work song. Some you will recognize, some you may be hearing for the first time. You will recognize Randall Thompson and Palestrina as composers who wrote for chorus but will be surprised by choral settings of songs by contemporaries like Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Come refresh yourselves with a range of artists’ takes on water. If it’s hot, bring your water bottle!

An abridged version of this concert will be repeated on June 21 at 7:00 in the garden at Park Slope United Methodist Church, at the corner of 6th Avenue and 8th Street. It will be part of Make Music NYC. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted.

C. E. Scott Brewster, CFP, MBA