These stories were too intriguing to leave without checking so, Thanksgiving 2005 was spent at "San Francisco de Borja Adac" (which turned out to be the mission's full name). "San Francisco", named after St. Francis of Assisi, lover of all creation, champion of justice, patron saint of animals and the environment. "Borja" because of the endowment by a wealthy Italian noblewoman, Maria de Borja, who funded the foundation and building. "Adac", being the name given to this place by the native Cochimi whose place it was before Europeans arrived. I am a classical singer and pianist, trained in The Netherlands, France and England but also in South America and my journeys have taken me to many a stage to perform. Never though will I cease to be amazed by the power which nature's beauty or the serenity of a place have over me. Which explains why, as long as I can remember, I feel the urge to make music whenever touched by it. Sometimes that beauty is so overwhelming that singing a song seems to be the only appropriate response. Like one day, years ago now, while walking the famous pilgrim's path to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. After a long and strenuous day of walking I remember arriving, at this beautiful ninth century chapel, tucked away high up into the mountains. One step inside was all I needed to be convinced a song wanted to be shared here. Maybe it is a sense of sharing, evoked by not only nature's beauty but by the wisdom embraced by it. There is a soothing quality in spaces like that. The knowledge that nature has seen it all and won't be surprised or judge anything that I will add. Born and raised in The Netherlands but having lived in the US since 2001 might explain my craving for buildings that take you back to times long gone but hard to find at this side of the world. San Borja definitely feeds into that need and I felt myself dreaming about singing up there. Sacred music, well known to most of us, but maybe not to people up there. An idea is formed. On the way back into Bahia de Los Angeles I mention my plans to an Italian from Rome, who now lives in Mexico permanently with his family. As true Roman, who craves culture, his reactions to the concert plans are enthusiastic and encouraging. He suggests talking to Father Gabriel. I met this priest, months later in his hometown with the beautifully fitting name "Jesus Maria". Father Gabriel serves us espresso while we talk about the possibility of organizing a concert or even a string of concerts at all the missions of Baja California. Since 2005 we have visited Bahia de Los Angeles numerous times. Every time we go back people ask us about the concert at San Borja and when it will be happening. A lot of times they are people I have never met before. The rumor has spread. After many months of talking with Father Gabriel the concert is finally scheduled for Sunday March 18th , 2007, at 2 pm. The program of this Sacred Music Concert consists of carefully selected repertory from the time the Baja Californian missions were founded and built. Music that was composed in the Old as well as in the New World, such as an Ave Maria by Charles Gounod and "Ya la naturaleza redimida" by Manuel de Sumaya, is included in the program. Repertory will be sung in Latin, Spanish, German and English. This is a benefit concert, sponsored by Comanji A.C. and all donations will go towards the restoration of the beautiful mission of San Borja. The idea behind it all is to bring music to places of beauty and inspiration. |