Dear Friends:

First of all, let me apologize for the delay in getting our first update to you...but for all of the amazing aspects of internet technology, simple things like different wiring systems in the phone lines and AOL access numbers that the company provided that their system didn't recognize, created some minor obstacles to our email access that were ingeniously solved by some "creative" rewiring of the phone line and some AOL help from the local cyber cafe! All of this is to say that YES, we are now online in Rochester, England, and are able to begin reporting about the fantastic experiences we have had so far. We also have been able to post our first website update, which you can check out for a few pics from the tour so far...go to www.thirdpresbyterian.org/music and click on the "Postcard for July 29, 2001" link there.

The trip over was very smooth and uneventful (other than having to fly WEST to Detroit in order to go EAST to England!) The flights were smooth, all of the luggage arrived intact and together - including the 8 tubs of robes and music - and we arrived to England's hottest (and driest) weather of the year so far! The crew on the Northwest flight was so intrigued by our group that they asked for an impromptu concert at 7am (that's 2:00am in Rochester NY!) and we obliged with a spirited (for 2:00am) performance of Elijah Rock at 36,000 feet - no small feat given the roar of the engines and most people's plugged ears, not to mention the less-than-ideal acoustics of a DC-10!

Our coach for the tour picked us up at Gatwick at 8:00am and we headed out of London for Rochester, with a 3-hour stop on the way at Hampton Court Palace on the Thames, King Henry VIII's digs. A huge and wonderful palace with many incredible features, as well acres of gorgeous gardens, and a maze. It gave wonderful insights into life in Tudor and Elizabethan times. From there we made the last leg of our trip to Rochester, checked into the hotel, and made our way to the Cathedral for the first time to get the lay of the land, and have a chance to try our wings in this millenium-old place. The first sounds of the choir literally floated through and filled the near-perfect acoustic, and all agreed that just that first experience of making music in this place justified all of the work, planning, and commitment of time and resources! Rochester Cathedral truly is a gem of a place - smaller and more intimate than many of its more famous brothers and sisters, but also more appealing in its medieval ambiance, the warmth of the clergy and people here, and the absolute glory of the sound that is possible in that space. We'll give much more about the history and our experience of this place at another time, for there is much too much to include in this email account.

Our 29-hour first day (from take off in Rochester NY on Saturday to the time we could lay our weary heads on our pillows at the hotel) was capped by a very enjoyable welcome dinner at the local Victoria and Bull Hotel, with His Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochester in attendance wearing their ceremonial chains and medallions. They were most gracious people and we got to enjoy spirited and entertaining conversation. Following his very kind welcoming remarks, we presented him with a letter of greeting from Mayor William Johnson of Rochester, NY, as well as gifts of a commemorative medallion featuring the Third Presbyterian Church building, a book of 100 years of architecture in Rochester, NY, and a handcrafted inlaid wooden box created by a Rochester artist. The fellowship and goodwill evident among the choir and with the Mayor and Mayoress spoke of our great joy in being here, and the excitement and anticipation of our week here singing daily services at the cathedral, and the opportunity to see many beautiful and historic sites.

In the next installment, I'll share details of our first Evensong sung on Monday afternoon...a thrilling, and awe-inspiring experience. But for now, it's midnight, and another (full) day beckons! Off to Canterbury and the southeast coast, and back to Rochester for rehearsal and Evensong - and probably a pub or two after!

Everyone is doing well, and send their love and greetings - and thanks to all of you for your interest, love and support while we are away!