| Recital for Palatine Society |
| On Sunday, June 8, Jonathan Hall gave a very well-received recital in the historic Palatine church in central New York State. The building, erected in 1770, was spared by the British during the American Revolution, when most of the other churches in the area were burned down. The church, which is still used for Lutheran worship, houses a Robert S. Rowland organ, built in Ossining, New York. The organ is quite successful in the high-ceilinged room, where the roof timbers display their original mortises and tenons. The people of this area of New York still tend to be acutely, personally conscious of their Revolutionary heritage. Hall is not of Palatinate descent, but is proud of at least half-a-dozen Patriot forebears, male and female. (A previous Mr. Hall was at Ticonderoga, and there was a lady spy too!) To rise to the occasion, he created a recital program that evoked the American spirit, as well as the Lutheran Zeitgeist of the year 1770. |
| His program, which included works by Bach and Krebs as well as Hampton, Stayhorn, and other Americans, was greeted with a prolonged standing ovation. Despite the oppressive heat and humidity, the church was filled to capacity. Bill Powers made a surprise appearance on saxophone, playing "The Easy Winners" by Scott Joplin. The recital opened with prayer and then the National Anthem, in honor specifically of the church's original thirteen-star flag. Afterwards, a festive dinner at Saltsman's, an area hostel since 1813, rounded out a delightful day. Warm thanks to the Society from its newest member, and to Helen, Sue, Sid, and of course Roberta (and EVERYONE else!) for their incredible warmth and welcome. It's great to make new friends. |
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| Left, Saltsman's. Below, the small (in numbers, not portion size!) dinner that followed the recital. |
| A week at a favorite B&B in the Adirondacks gave more than enough time to "come down" from the recital! |
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