Water is essential for life. Seventy 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 the purported indicator of extraterrestrial life. Water has transformed deserts into gardens. But these are mere facts.
Humans have had profound feelings about water “from the first syllable of recorded time.” he Old Testament psalmist wrote – and sang – about water. The Qur'an describes 23 different kinds of water. Water is used to bathe, to bless, in rituals. Adjectives applied to water are beyond number.
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 (who are not related). You will confront a wide river and long for a distant one with music by Billy Joel and with American folk songs. You will set out into the deep with sea shanties and a Japanese fisherman’s song. Some you will recognize, some you may be hearing for the first time. You will recognize Randall Thompson and Palestrina as people who wrote for chorus but will be surprised by choral settings of songs by contemporaries like Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Join us when we sing a range of artists’ takes on water. Come refresh yourselves. If it’s hot, you can even bring a bottle of water into the concert with you!
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.