How to spend a Thursday afternoon

We are hectic and over scheduled people who allow work and other responsibilities to rule our lives.  We take little time to step back, breathe and assess what is happening.  Maybe there will come one day when an unexpected opportunity arises and we question whether we should tear ourselves away.  Maybe we should take a step forward to do something that will bring us joy.  Thus it was Thursday afternoon, June 6th, for me. 

A late morning e-mail from Gena Branscombe’s grandson, Roger Branscombe Phenix, said he wanted to go to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts to look through his grandmother’s music.  Should he call or e-mail to let the Special Collections department know he was coming?  In a return e-mail I explained you went to the third floor, requested the music and then waited to see it.  An idea came to me, “Would you like me to go with you?  I have some work to do with the collection.”  The answer came back, “yes!” 

After a difficult morning of dealing with two telephone customer service debacles, I needed a breath of fresh air to change the day despite my long “to do” list.  Roger and his wife, JoAnn, picked me up in front of my building and off we went to the library at Lincoln Center. 

Entering the third floor Special Collections Department, we filled out a request form for the boxes of the pencil workings and sketches for Pilgrims of Destiny, then waited for them to be brought up to the study area.

Once they arrived, Roger and I spent time looking through numerous folders of Gena Branscombe’s original workings of her dramatic choral oratorio.  The one hundred year old staff paper was dusty with that “old” musty smell to it. 

Among the pages of music would be a typed page of the libretto.  I wondered if the typed pages were done by Gena’s husband, John, who edited the libretto for his wife.  With knowledge of his family archives, Roger was quite sure they were not typed by his grandfather as they were too neat with no mistakes!  Another page might have a note that said it was a sketch of a theme for a soprano.  Many pages had workings with X’s across the page, not to be used and obviously Gena was not pleased with what she had composed. 

The original orchestra workings were definitely not in Gena’s script which means she had a professional person write out her work.  Gena’s script is not precise, rushed and at times quite messy. 

To sit in the library with Gena’s grandson holding and experiencing her original scores was quite a treat.  Normally I sit in the library alone with her music.  This time, we shared her music from 100 years ago. 

By the way, June 6^th was a special day for Roger.  It was his birthday and he had wanted to go to the library to look at his grandmother’s music.  We celebrated with coffee and his wish was granted! 

#BringingBackBranscombe

Everyone meets one another

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.   

And, to all my other dear friends and neighbors who traveled to attend the concert, thank you.  

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 21^st century. 

#BringingBackBranscombe

More Pictures

A message on my answering machine last week from Marguerite (Peggie) Biscaye Oury told me she had found three more pictures of the Branscombe Choral and one picture of Gena Branscombe standing on a dock waving goodbye.  Would I like to have these pictures to add to the items she gave in 2012?  Yes, of course, was my answer.

Peggie’s brother, Pierre had called me in November 2011 and recounted his story of knowing Gena Branscombe and her family.  His fond memories of his mother and two aunts being long-time members of the Branscombe Choral were touching.  He even has the conductor’s baton that Miss Branscombe gave him.  See my blog posting of May 2012. 

I called Pierre’s sister, Peggie, and we also had a lengthy phone conversation.  She told me she had Branscombe Choral pictures, autographed sheet music and a few other items.  She graciously sent these items to me for safe keeping and I assured her all these treasured possessions would be given to the New York Library for the Performing Arts.  Now there are four additional photos to be added to the Biscaye/Oury folder!

A short e-mail exchange with Gena Branscombe’s grandson, Roger Phenix, and the photo of her waving goodbye is probably from the 1930’s when she and her daughter, Gena, sailed to England.  The photo of the Branscombe Choral in front of a tapestry with Gena accepting flowers from two little girls is from a Spring concert in Town Hall.   The other two photos of the Choral are undated and were taken at Christmas time.  Venue is unknown. 

Four more pieces of Gena Branscombe history are to be given to the library.  What treasures!