9 CHURCH WALK - A TWO-WEEK RESIDENCY

On Monday, I arrived at 9 Church Walk in Aldeburgh, UK.  It is the former home of Imogen Holst, daughter of Gustav Holst and long-time assistant to  Benjamin Britten.   Imo lived in this small bungalow, built in the 1960s, that has a sound-poof room with a piano where she worked.  The bungalow now belongs to and is managed by the Britten-Pears Foundation, and composers are sometimes invited to come and work here.  I happened to be so lucky.

Many of Imo's books and furniture are still here ... and thoughout the day, I have the distinct feeling of walking in her footsteps wherever I go in Aldeburgh, and whatever I touch in the house.  Black and white photos of Imo are in the kitchen and living room ... The one in the kitchen gives me the most pleasure because she is smiling and holding a cup of coffee.   It feels like she is smiling at me, and I feel encouraged ... like I am doing what I was called to do.

The quiet is a gift; every day here is a gift.   With this time, my hope is to finish The Song Cycles of BEACHY HEAD.  I appreciate being here and thank the Bitten-Pears Foundation for their generosity and this gift of time.