1 October 2000
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend to you Norma Gentile
and her work.
The concert of music by Hildegard, in the
candlelight space of a neighboring chapel, was both
beautiful and inspiring. Through her singing talent
and her own presence, Norma brought to life the
spiritual depth of Hildegard for our experiencing
that evening. On some chants she invited the
'audience' to add drones to accompany her. Thus,
the evening became even less a performance concert
and more a meditative communion.
Then at the workshop in our sanctuary the next
afternoon, Norma shared her spiritual and musical
experience with us. Her lessons were useful both to
singer and non-musicians alike. Simple vocal
techniques and meditation devices enhanced our
awareness of our bodies as media of
self-expression. Singers learned how to gently use
the whole body as the instrument, and everyone
learned ways to be more fully authentic through our
physical nature.
Beyond the concert and workshop, it was
enjoyable to work with Norma in planning,
preparations, and presentation. Her gentle strength
of character demonstrates her own deep spiritual
life, and by examples, speaks as clearly as her
music and her words.
We at Grace St Paul's look forward to her return
soon for another concert in Tucson and additional
workshops.
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