Nic and Dadda

Michael Johns - Hold Back My Heart

The Blacksburg Community Strings and Chamber Orchestra performed Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, at a concert on May 9, 2009. This is the first movement. Ginger plays the viola for the BCS.

I found it interesting that the conductor is very well respected and recognised. Ake-Eric Renqvist is a native of Finland and was awarded the distinguished title Director Musices, signed by the President of Finalnad in 1995. The honor came as a result of his 30 years of teaching and conducting at the North Kymi College of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Rauma Sinfonietta. After nearly 30 years as a violinist, he studied conducting with Premysl Charvat, the principal conductor fo the National Opera in Prague.

Support our local musicians by attending their concerts. The next one is scheduled for July 4 to celebrate Independence Day.

Virginia Tech’s Wesley Singers (Wesley Foundation), including my girlfriend Ginger, recorded a CD of gospel songs in November 2008 and this is one of my favorites - Amazing Grace.

Robert Chafin of Christiansburg is a professional tenor opera singer in Germany. He recorded this version of “The Lord’s Prayer” for the Wesley Singers CD. The recording isn’t the best, but I had the honor and pleasure of hearing him perform the song live and trust me when I say it was an incredible experience. I have never heard such a powerful voice in person.