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Society for Universal Sacred Music
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A Message from the President
The Society for Universal Sacred Music was founded because there is divisiveness in the world - divisiveness essentially caused by the prejudice, intolerance, attitudes of superiority, and resulting violence among so many adherents of the world's religions. Such divisiveness, however, has been engendered in large part by the blind acceptance of many scriptural passages which - directly or indirectly - support the denigration or even the killing of other human beings - human beings in some way different from ourselves. The shame for this upon so much of humanity is incalculable - but healable, and the essential remedy is for all of us to work together to bring the following dream into reality: the dream that one day, no one on Earth will identify any longer with a particular religious "label": "I am a Christian', "I am a Jew", "I am a Muslim", "I am a Hindu", "I am a Buddhist", and so forth, will be a thing of the past; instead, every human being will say, "I am a child of God" - and to one's neighbor, "I love you because you are my brother or sister in our one, universal spiritual family." We may express our faith in different ways in our different cultures, but no longer will there be separate religions. We will have learned from the best teachings of the past, will recognize the best teachings of the present, and will have amalgamated them into books that express the true nature of God as the source of eternal and unconditional love for all. And perhaps most important of all, we will have let go of those scriptural passages and teachings that have incited us toward division and exclusivity, as well as fear and prejudice, for centuries.
One of the great lessons for our spiritual leaders - and, indeed, for all of us - is to learn to embrace that which unites us as children of God, and let go of that which divides us; this applies not only to our scriptures, but to the music we sing in God's name, and therefore the choices of text made by composers in the composition of what has come to be called sacred music - music that reflects our fundamental unity as children of God, and the reverence we have for God, for the divine within each other, and for the beauty we can find around us. And when composers make the choice to seek out texts that reflect the eternal and unconditional love of God for all of us, rather than blindly follow their inherited traditions, everyone benefits - as the result is universal sacred music, music that transcends the limitations and prejudices of our existing religions.
May God bless us all in present and future lifetimes on Earth, and for all eternity. And may we bless each other, within our families and within every society, not only in the holiday seasons but every day of the year. Let us give new meaning to the ancient prayer, "Peace on Earth, good will toward men!" - bringing these words into reality, that one day we may truly have lasting peace on earth.
Roger Davidson |
Sunday Afternoon Concert-Be United All Humanity!
Don't Miss this Amazing Concert for All Ages featuring Catherine Russell
The sounds of Jazz, Calypso, Gospel and Brazilian music will highlight the Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music in a special concert on Sunday afternoon, April 25 starting at 3:00 p.m. Audiences will enjoy the music of a group of terrific and talented musicians who will gather to perform original and well-known works.
Acclaimed artists include composer/pianist and Society president, Roger Davidson; lead vocalist Catherine Russell; Brazilian singer/composer Luiz Simas; and trumpet player and Klezmer giant, Frank London. They will be accompanied by drummer, Willie Martinez; percussionist, Marivaldo Dos Santos; saxophonist, Aaron Heick, and artistic director for the concert, Pablo Aslan on bass.
As the sounds of music fill the concert hall, the audience will be inspired to tap their feet, dance and sing along! Don't miss this fun-filled afternoon, perfect for families as well as individuals of all ages. Visit the Society website for details as well as how to purchase tickets: www.universalsacredmusic.org | |
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April 24th-25th: Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music
Book the Date & Purchase Your Tickets Now!
Please join the Society for the Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, when the works of thirteen international composers celebrating God's unconditional love will be performed featuring the New York Virtuoso Singers and the Cantimum Novum Youth Choir. The compositions were selected from an international competition of submissions from more than 260 composers of many nationalities including the United States, Sweden, France, Italy, New Zealand, Turkey, the Ukraine, Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong, & the Czech Republic.
The two choral concerts in the Festival, led by our artistic director, Harold Rosenbaum, will feature works giving credence to the many different styles, both tonal and atonal, that composers all over the world are immersed in today as well as in recent times, including mixed choir, women's choir, children's choir, a capella music, and works with up to 10 instruments.
An added highlight to the 2010 Festival includes a concert for all ages titled, "Be United, All Humanity!", on Sunday, April 25 featuring Jazz, Gospel, Brazilian and Calypso music. The Fourth Festival of Universal Sacred Music takes place Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m., while "Be United, All Humanity!" takes place Sunday, April 25 at 3:00 p.m. For further information, visit www.universalsacredmusic.org. For tickets, call 212-501-3330 or visit www.merkinconcerthall.org |
One God, One World
A collection of chants, hymns, anthems and songs about unity, peace, forgiveness, prayer, & many other aspects of spiritual life. One God, One World is a combination of words and music that is designed to give the listener a clear view of God and his relationship to mankind.
The CD can be purchased for $15 plus S&H by mail or on our website. | |
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Society Partners with Amnesty International!
The Society for Universal Sacred Music will partner with Amnesty International at their Festival this April by donating 10% of all ticket and CD sales to that Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization!
So please mark your calendars and make sure to attend one or all of the Festival performances! By doing so, you will be helping two worthwhile organizations whose mission is to create a more peaceful and just world, and at the same time you will be taking advantage of an opportunity to enjoy musical performances from an outstanding group of international composers!
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Meet Our Staff!
The Society Welcomes our New Archivist & Librarian - Chris Farrell
 Chris Farrell has been involved with the work of the Society since 2001, serving as the first Executive Director until early 2004. He has been a key participant in numerous international events and initiatives including the annual World Peace Festival in Amenia, NY where he was the Music and Festival Director. Chris was a creative partner working with UNICEF and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for the launch of the Living Values Educational Project, now active in over 130 countries. As a musician and composer of contemporary spiritual and meditative piano music, Chris is deeply dedicated to the mission of the Society for Universal Sacred Music.
He is currently President of Chris Farrell Music, LLC specializing in music archives and special collections. He recently completed a two-year project archiving the complete works of composer Alan Menken. Chris is also heading up a team cataloging and digitizing 15,000 historical recordings for the American Society for Jewish Music.
In his new role as Archivist & Librarian for the Society, Chris will be cataloging the entire body of work of Universal Sacred Music created and performed over the last decade. This will include the scores, recordings, videos, photographs and texts of the music. He will be working closely with all of the composers who have been involved with the Society over the years to build a rich-media resource library and database available both on and offline. The goal will be to build greater awareness, access and appreciation of their works worldwide. |
Donations & Benefits of Membership
Special Spring Offer!
The Society for Universal Sacred Music is an exciting and innovative organization that believes the power of music can help break down barriers of religious intolerance and prejudice. We support both existing and emerging musicians from around the world who are dedicated to writing music that reflects our fundamental unity, and archive their music to make it available to educational, religious, and fine arts institutions worldwide. We produce festivals and concerts of universal sacred music, and promote the music of our musicians internationally.
As you consider supporting our work, please remember that historically music has had the power to bind people together both emotionally and spiritually in good as well as in adverse times. As a common thread that touches all, universal sacred music is a conduit that provides us with a means of living in and creating a world of greater tolerance and unity.
By becoming a member of the Society, you will help make a difference in our world today, and at the same time will experience and enjoy the many benefits of membership. Please visit our website to learn more about membership opportunities and donor levels! Your donation is invaluable, and will help support the ongoing work of the Society for Universal Sacred Music.
If you would like more information about the Society, or would like to receive our new brochure, please email or call at any time. The Society for Universal Sacred Music is a 501(c)3 organization, and as such, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
SPECIAL SPRING OFFER: All donations of $100 or more by April 15 will receive a FREE ticket to our upcoming Festival!
Please visit our website to make an online donation by check, credit or debit card, or you may send a donation to:
The Society for Universal Sacred Music, 275 E. Main Street, Suite 103, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549, USA.
All donations make a difference and are deeply appreciated! |
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