Good day.  I have heard so many superb recitals and concerts over the last week. It is not possible for me to cite one that was 'the best'. Thanks to all the musicians who put their heart and soul into performances that have made our lives much richer.

This very evening, there are two events well worth your consideration.  The first is an American Guild of Organists Members' recital.  This will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Shawnee at 7:30 p.m. The musicians will be playing the splendid new Rodgers organ with its vast array of tonal colours. The recital  is free.

Further west, in Lawrence, JOY LAIRD, PAUL LAIRD, and ELIZABETH BERGHOUT will present a concert entitled 'The Interplay of National Styles" at 7:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall. The three are well versed in music of all periods, especially the Renaissance and Baroque, and present it delightfully.  There is no admission charge.

Wednesday the 20th at 12 noon, DESTINY MERMAGEN will present her Wellness Wednesday program, concentrating on the theme Gratitude.  I have not been able to attend her presentations, but I am certain
that what she offers will be illuminating.  There is no admission charge.

I shall be attending the UMKC Conservatory's performance of Mozart's 'Marriage of Figaro' on Thursday the 21st at 7:30 p.m. The opera will be held in White Recital Hall at the UMKC Performing Arts center. One of the principal roles will be sung by GWENDOLYN DeLANEY, who has received several Leona Schaefer Scholarships.  There is an admission charge. I gather that the tickets should be purchased on the Conservatory website.

This weekend the KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY presents subscription concerts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I have exchanged my Friday ticket for a Saturday ticket, inasmuch as the Friday concert is a shortened version of the others. The performance times are 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available from the Symphony ticket office (816-471-0400).

Making the exchange allows me to go on Friday to St. Mary's/St. Anthony's Church in Kansas City, Kansas to hear the WILLIAM BAKER FESTIVAL SINGERS, VOCES FESTIVAS, and the KANSAS CITY KANSAS ALL CITY CHILDREN'S CHOIR, all of whom are generously giving of their time and talent in a free Annual Concert for Human Need. All donations will benefit local charities. Incidentally, I play the Saturday Mass at the church, a beautiful space to make music.  The church is located on 7th Street, just south of office buildings and the casino! The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.  

Sunday the 24th, I shall attend 'Merriment and Madness', an unusual title for music of Mozart, Grieg, Beethoven, and Shostakovich performed by The OPUS 76 QUARTET and members of the YOUTH SYMPHONY OF KANSAS CITY. The 2:00 p.m. concert will be at the Midwest Trust Center at JCCC.
There is an admission charge; tickets can be purchased on the day itself at the Yardley Hall box office.

For the next few weeks, I shall mention NATIVITY PUPPETS performances of "The Nativity", with the oversized puppets, a brilliant script (written by Paul Mesner), and very attractive music.  The performances are on December 6, 7, and 8 at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tickets are available now at Nativitypuppets.org. It is a tremendously fine, fun, and much loved seasonal event.

Leona's father was such a wise fellow.  Today, from him: A smile makes life worthwhile.

Warmest good wishes. John Schaefer