Impressions of New Zealand – June 2022

Russell – Kororāreka

I left Auckland during rush hour on a wet, winter’s morning. I sat near the front of the half-empty bus as it made its way north, through the city’s suburbs, towards the Bay of Islands.

My ticket was to Paihia.

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In praise of the peace of old church music – Naples, Italy

Christ Church in Naples, Italy

Christ Church in Naples, Italy

Music reaches into our memories and emotions, it filters through our brains to lift us to a new state of mind.  It allows us to be more … and it allows us to remember.

In old churches, empty or full, there is space built to catch the echoes and harmonies of sacred music.  It flows in careful patterns up the pillars, through and around the arches, on into the rafters and beyond … and it takes a part of us with it, it frees us from below.

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Carols in a church that has seen it all

A look back (first published on 12 December 2014)

The Phraser

Christ Church in Naples all prepared for its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Christ Church in Naples all prepared for its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

We could have been in England – the pure voice from the shadows behind us lifted the words into the church, floated them high above the candlelit pews and on towards the altar.

“Once in Royal David’s City …”

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