Twenty years have passed since
I began my Gena Project, as I call it.
Many of you have read and heard how I discovered her music, my journey
through her life, co-authoring and performing a one-woman show, writing
articles and giving talks about composer Gena Branscombe.
Through the twenty years there
have been countless people who have helped me, encouraged me, contacted me and
been cheerleaders for the work I was doing.
As I look back, I have been blessed by each of these people, what they
have generously given me and for their friendship.
Very few of my Gena people had
met one another and in some ways, they were compartmentalized because of their
location or expertise. Yet, each day I
have been thankful for all of their contributions to my work.
When Dan Ryan, Director of
Choral Activities, at Clark University in Worcester, MA, announced he would be
performing Gena Branscombe’s oratorio Pilgrims
of Destiny on April 27, 2019, I knew that was the day all my Gena people
would come together. Following the
concert at a reception, I would be able to thank each of them and they would be
able to meet one another.
In attendance were Gena
Branscombe’s grandsons, Roger Branscombe Phenix and his wife, Joanne, and
Morgan Scott Phenix. Gena’s family has
been most generous with their time, sharing stories, pictures, newspaper
clippings and more. Their thanks for the
work I have done warms my heart.
Dr. Laurine Elkins Marlow and husband
Bill. Laurine met Gena and wrote her
dissertation about her music, career and life. Over the years Laurine
shared with me her time spent with Gena as she listened to the composer tell
her life story. What a friend and generous
colleague she has been and will continue to be.
Allison Branscombe and husband
Bob Remen. Allison is Gena’s great niece
and my writing mentor. Allison makes sure
to let me know I must continue writing and get that children’s book finished!
Martin Hennessy and partner,
Tom. Martin is my friend and fabulous
pianist. Truthfully, without Martin’s
encouraging me to record Gena’s songs, the Pilgrims
of Destiny concert would probably never have taken place.
Heather Seaton, a friend and
champion of Gena’s music. The two of us
photographed each and every page of the Pilgrims
of Destiny score at the Library of Congress. A dear person!
Linda Johnson and her sister,
Carol, who are the great granddaughters of Gena’s publisher, Arthur P. Schmidt.
Linda found me on the internet and contacted
me to recount her family’s story with Mr. Schmidt. Someday soon, Linda and I will meet at the
Library of Congress to look over the Schmidt Company business papers.
George Boziwick and his wife, Stephanie. George, now retired, was head of the American
Music Collection and Special Collections at the New York Public Library for the
Performing Arts. In the early days of my
Gena Project, George listened as I explained all I wanted to do. He gave me solid advice and over the years we
would see one another as I made another trip to the library to look through
Gena’s collection. George’s
encouragement was instrumental in my getting started on Gena’s life and
music.
Dan Ryan, conductor of that
evening’s concert. What a wise man, a
good conductor and friend. It has been a
pleasure working with someone determined to present a piece of music composed
by a woman. He understood the historical
importance of Pilgrims and will continue
to put forth Gena’s music. You have made
my twenty years’ dream of having this work performed….a dream come true. Thank you.
Charles Peterson – my voice
teacher from far longer ago than 20 years. All
those years ago he tapped me on the shoulder and invited me to study voice with
him. Several years later, he opened his
studio door encouraging me to find my place in the music world. I did!
Dan Holland – my husband of
33+ years and champion of the work I have done.
Thank you for comprehending what a project this was going to be, what it
was and where it will go in the future.
A weekend filled with real
people, real Gena Branscombe people. The
conversation flowed, friendships were renewed, friendships were made and a
dream came true. Thank you
all. May Gena’s music live on in the 21st
century.
#BringingBackBranscombe
