The Joyful Hearts Ensemble will perform in the cities and towns of East Poland on
September 5 – 10. Bialystok, Hajnowka, Bielsk-Podlaski, Grudek, Grabarka — the
concert schedule of the ensemble, directed by Nun Sophia (Demianova) and
consisting of the residents of the Boarding Home for the adults with special needs,
is fully booked!
Alexander
Davidovich, who works in the boarding home and hosts the concerts, believes
that every concert is like a breath of fresh air for The Joyful Hearts. “Yes,
it calls for a lot of effort but it is a big celebration, too,” he adds.
Why Do They Sing? How and What Kinds of Songs
Do They Sing?
These
actors consider it especially important to demonstrate what they can and do it
wholeheartedly. When they are deprived of concerts, it is hard for them and
they start to feel bad. Our Convent does its best to provide them with that
opportunity, be it a concert in the rehabilitation centre or in Paris. Right
now, they have the opportunity to perform in East Poland.
Those who
have heard them sing remarked how well these singers feel the words of the
songs and the music, and how well they can convey the meanings to the audience.
Nun
Sophia and the performers have prepared a special augmented programme for the
concerts in Poland. The Joyful Hearts will tour with over twenty various
concert pieces! They will sing well-known songs: Prayer, Prayer for Belarus,
Birch Trees Make Noise, The Soul in Pain, Stars Came Down From The Sky, The
Echo of Love, Shine Shine My Star, etc.
They sing
to the accompaniment of an accordion. The performers also play the spoons, the
tambourine, the triangle, and the pipe, like an improvised orchestra.
How Do They Get Ready For The Concert?
The
Joyful Hearts took a lot of effort in getting ready for concerts. The
participants of the ensemble live in various units of the boarding home. It is
only during the rehearsals that they can meet: the
closer
the time of departure, the more often they gather in order to sing, discuss,
and drink tea together.
What Do The Joyful Hearts Dream About?
The
Joyful Hearts justify their name because they wholeheartedly enjoy even the
tiniest things. This might be the reason why they are so successful. Of course,
we would like to add more drama into their concerts, so that they could express
themselves not only through singing but also through certain actions on stage.
When our
ensemble turns 30 — very soon, literally in a couple of years — we will
organise a big anniversary concert and do everything to the best of our
ability! Right now, we would like to invite everybody to come to our concerts!
September 4, 2017
St. Elisabeth Convent
CONVERSATION