Shalom from Seattle

Dear Fenno, Carol and family,

Last night was the debut performance of the Seattle Jewish Chorale, a community choir I founded this fall. One of the goals in our mission statement is "to build bridges of understanding and respect through the universal language of music." Well, you know where I learned all about that, as well as about the rewards of bringing all one's passion, intellect, and intestinal fortitude to the pursuit of choral singing.

My time in Glee Club (three years as an undergrad, and two bonus seasons as a post-graduate New Haven resident) was the highlight of my Yale experience. The Yale Alumni Chorus, of which I have been an active member since its inception, remains my strongest link with Yale and my fellow alumni. Whenever we gather, and indeed,=2 0whenever I sing with any choral group, memories of Fenno's words, wisdom, wit, twinkling eyes, and, yes, sometimes glowering expressions, are always there with me. To my new Jewish choir, I have tried convey the sense of purpose, high expectations, and sheer joy in choral singing that I carry with me from Glee Club, and from Fenno (as well as some Fennoisms tossed in for good measure.)

The first piece my Chorale sang last night was an adaptation of Palestrina's Dona Nobis Pacem, substituting the words of the Hebrew prayer Sim Shalom ("Create peace, goodness and blessings.") We also performed a setting of Mi Shebeirach, the prayer which asks for divine intervention on behalf of those in need of healing. Please know that my heart was, as I sang those songs, and is now, as I write these words, full of sincere wishes for you, Fenno and Carol, and all of your family, for refuah shleymah—peace, wholeness, and healing of mind, body and spirit.
With love,
Michele Yanow '89,
YGC '86-'92
(Soprano 1, Publicity Manager, and Historian)