Music of Freedom and Sanctuary – A New Year’s Retreat

A Pendle Hill New Year’s Retreat with Karl Middleman to probe the complex crosscurrents of life and art, exploring the role of music as a safe harbor for reflection.

During this time of political and economic upheaval we seek safe places in our daily lives, places where we can find respite and sanctuary amidst the pain in our world. This workshop speaks to that need. Individual freedoms and the idea of sanctuary figure prominently in music and the arts — freedom from prejudice, freedom from physical harm, freedom to be a contrarian, freedom to think nothing at all.   

In Music of Freedom and Sanctuary, we will probe the complex crosscurrents of life and art, exploring the role of music as a safe harbor for reflection. Topics will include:   

• The lives and challenges facing “exiles in paradise,” émigré artists and musicians to the U.S. following WWII;
• The imagined sanctuary of Cold War politics, and the way American isolationism played out on Broadway stages;
• Today’s songs of freedom from many lands;
• Religious sanctuary as represented in the music of Bach and Puccini;
• Longed-for deliverance in African-American spirituals;
• The sanctuary Beethoven found in nature;
• Today’s diverse artists making a difference; and
• Our own artistic and musical resources.

 This workshop at peaceable Pendle Hill offers respite and inspiration, a delightful way to round out the year.

This retreat culminates in an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration, with hors d’oeuvres and a home-cooked dinner, lively concert in the Barn, desserts, and midnight candlelit Meeting for Worship. This event is already included with your registration to this retreat!