Dear SCSO Chorus & Orchestra Members, Board Members and Friends,
After 14 years with the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra as accompanist, organist, and Celesta Principal, I smile fondly here in Calgary as I visit my mother’s side of the family. With snowflakes falling and chilly 30-degree weather, I’m recalling some of the memories we made, the music we performed, the venues we visited, the community we formed.
From my arrival until the day I left, I have been treated like a celebrity, something both touching and that makes me laugh, but I know how big your hearts are. I have enjoyed so many friendships and fun moments. Even in some bittersweet moments (i.e. immigration hurdles) I found solidarity in your support. What a tapestry it has been!
I smile reflecting on Don’s energy, passion, musical excellence, and vivid personality. He and I have shared so very many moments of camaraderie, scintillating music making, grand repertoire – from the classic heavy-hitters to novel and less known works; we have hashed out so many details of music making, figuring out solutions to problems, addressing various styles and periods, streamlining balances (with orchestra and organ alike), all leading to the end goals of a memorable, touching, and fine performance. Jim has bared his soul, his joy and warmth managing this large ship, with off-the-cuff speeches that would make Cicero and “Honest Abe” proud! He has been a shining beacon for what the SCSO is and will continue to be.
My time in Sacramento has been epic. I have led a rich life that friends marveled at. My musical endeavors have challenged me, given me joy and challenge, glory and pure ecstatic emotion. From playing majestic organs in majestic spaces to collaborating with choirs singers, and instrumentalists, I have had my musical needs richly fulfilled.
California has a world class glory: its natural beauty. It is of breathtaking scale. Hiking, camping, whitewater kayaking, and biking throughout this state has been monumental and a deep thrill that resonates in the soul. I rarely wished to leave state lines for vacation.
I have been feeling more and more – to put it simply – that I’m Canadian and should return to my roots here. I feel so much love and gratitude to the United States and you all, a country and people that have welcomed me and offered friendship. I have always felt this way and it is especially poignant now. You are some of the finest people one could wish to know. It was an agonizing decision to leave.
I was amazed to learn in the past couple of weeks that the SCSO Chorus Members and Friends gifted me with a pot of money that would make a Wall Street executive green with envy. This was beyond generous. You have made my moving out much easier and blessed me with a rainy-day account to sustain me as I explore job opportunities here in Canada. A deep thank you for so many wonderful years. Let’s stay in touch – I say not goodbye but a hello and talk soon.
Ryan Enright
