Scottish Rite Chorus

Scottish Rite News Scottish Rite Chorus

SCOTTISH RITE CHORUS NOTES

Congratulations Walter Klein, M.S.A.; fall
season to begin with Valley Reunion

By Chester F. Willey, Jr.
Chorus Director

It's good to be gearing up for the Fall season of our beloved Scottish Rite Chorus, after a "restful" summer break that turned out to be a whirlwind of activity.

First, some good news: one of our newest members, Tom Evans, is pretty much recovered from his illness this spring and is eagerly awaiting the resumption of rehearsals this fall so he can rejoin us. We have also some new prospects from the spring Grand Masters Class so our numbers continue to increase.

Congratulations are also in order to longtime Chorus member Walter Klein (who received the Meritorious Service Award in June. In addition to his more visible roles onstage during our degree conferrals (of which there are many, the man has forgotten more ritual than this writer will ever live long enough to learn!), he "relaxes" by slipping a black robe over his costume of the moment and singing with the Chorus. It is good to see someone so deserving achieve this distinction.

I hope everyone had as enjoyable summer as I did, which involved a trip to Germany to visit my son Jesse, the Army Brat. Speaking of awards, for all you veterans out there, for the entire 1st Armored Division of the U.S. Army, Jesse won the "Soldier of the Year" competition for 2001 - Papa couldn't be more proud of him!

I was also able to see some Mozart memorabilia, and saw several corners of the world that I will not likely ever get back to.

Speaking of Brother Mozart, an important advance announcement: The Cleveland Opera will be performing Mozart's Masonic Opera, "The Magic Flute", next spring at the State Theater. This fully staged professional production will be a delight for all who see it, and of particular interest to Freemasons. Both Mozart and the librettist, Emanuel Schikaneder, were active Masons, and many other Masons participated in the writing of this work, which was Mozart's last completed opera. The focus of the plot on Masonic ideals is obvious, and does much to reinforce the ideas and music presented in our modern ritual. The Scottish Rite Chorus uses one piece from the Opera in the 14th degree. More info on the production will be available at the Reunion.