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| A Paean to Spring from Medieval Andalusia
As we look forward from the first two days of spring (but with a nod back to winter's Andalusian Treasures), here's a lovely seasonal offering from Moses ibn Ezra. He was a Jewish philosopher, linguist and poet who was born and lived in Spain from about 1060 until 1138, regarded by some as the unsurpassed master of Hebrew poetry from medieval Andalusia.
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The garden wears a colored coat,
The lawn has on embroidered robes,
The trees are wearing checkered shifts,
They show their wonders to every eye,
And every bud renewed by spring
Comes smiling forth to greet his lord.
See! Before them marches a rose,
Kingly, his throne above them borne,
Freed of the leaves that had guarded him,
No more to wear his prison clothes.
Who will refuse to toast him there?
Such a man his sin will bear.
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Translated from Hebrew by Prof. Raymond P. Scheindlin in Wine, Women, and Death: Medieval Hebrew Poems on the Good Life, published in 1986 by the Jewish Publication Society (used with permission of Prof. Scheindlin and the University of Nebraska Press).
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Maritime Voices at "Blessing of the Fleets"
Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm |
The U.S. Navy Memorial hosts its annual "Blessing of the Fleets" each spring at the beautiful Memorial Plaza. At the close of this special ceremony, Washington Revels Maritime Voices will sing two songs, concluding with the Navy Hymn. All attendees are then invited into the adjacent Navy Memorial Center for a sampling of navy bean soup and an hour-long performance of Maritime Voices' ever-evolving program of "Songs of the Sea and Shore" in the Center's Burke Theater.
Saturday, April 14, ceremony at 1:00pm (outdoors), Maritime Voices performance at 2:30pm (indoors). Free and open to the public! United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC.
» Learn more |
Jubilee Voices at "Fortune's Bones" Closure
Sunday, April 15, 3:00 pm |  This free, family-friendly event will close the 8-month "Fortune's Bones" project, curated by Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (of "Sweet Honey and the Rock"). From September 2011 to April 2012, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has presented a series of events inspired by the compelling story of Fortune, an enslaved African whose life--and death--is the center of a project sponsored by the University of Maryland and several community partners. A repast, a celebration, a resolution, a sending forth... the "Fortune's Bones" closure event will include performances by Nolan Williams, Jr. and Voices of Inspiration; Dr. Ysaye Barnwell; Washington Revels Jubilee Voices (who will perform spirituals and lead community singing); and others. Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 3:00 pm. Free and open to the public! The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, located across the street from the Clarice Smith Center on the University of Maryland campus. » Learn more |
Madrigals and Maypole at FONA Garden Fair
Saturday, April 28 |
What better way to welcome Spring than with flora, fauna and some fa-la-la's? Join Washington Revels' Gallery Voices at this annual event, sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), as we delight fairgoers with madrigal singing and Maypole dancing! You can peruse native plants and trees, gaze on garden decor, enjoy children's activities by the Washington Youth Garden, and even come and join us as we dance around the Maypole.
Saturday, April 28 (various times throughout the day). Free and open to the public! Washington National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
» Learn more
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May Revels at National Cathedral Flower Mart
Saturday, May 5 |  This year's festive May Revels celebrates Spring at a venue that evokes years past: the Washington National Cathedral! A cast of over 100 adults, teens, "tweens," kids, actors and musicians will joyously process around the Cathedral - or as much of it as post-earthquake construction will permit - with colorful banners, flags and props, and then perform a full program at the West front of the Cathedral. Come sing and dance with us, and enjoy the wonderful annual Flower Mart featuring attractions for adults and kids alike - all free! Saturday, May 5 (performance time TBA) at the Washington National Cathedral. All Hallows Guild "Flower Mart" hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. » Learn more |
| More great events this Spring ... |
Register now for Spring Education Workshops! Grades K-1: Spring's Little Explorers with Teaching Artist Oran Sandel Fridays, April 13 - June 1, 2012 (no class on May 18) Grades 2-3: Spring Escapades & Inspirations with Teaching Artist Emma Jaster Mondays, April 16 - June 4, 2012 (no class on May 28) Grades 4-5: Heroes, Villains, & More with Teaching Artist Danny PushkinThursdays, April 12 - May 31, 2012
Learn more and register now ... classes begin April 12!
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 One of the best things about supporting Revels is what you get
when you give.
Take joy and satisfaction in Creating Community through Celebration.
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CDs featuring
Washington Revels
American Music
of the Civil War Era
featuring Bruce Molsky, Jacqueline Schwab, Magpie, Federal City Brass, Pete Cooper, and Douglas Jimerson.
> Learn More
 French Canadian Music
in celebration of the
Winter Solstice
featuring Riki Schneyer, Steven Winick, Washington Revels Children, and more.
> Learn More
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 Selected by the 2010-11 Catalogue for Philanthropy
"One of Greater Washington's best small charities."
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