Sanctorum
Sanctorum, founded in 2005 by pianist/composer Lynne Haeseler, creates a contemplative musical experience intended to nourish and rejuvenate audiences. Drawing from her passion for classical music and her own meditation, Lynne uses an eclectic mix of instruments - flute, cello, guitar, African drums, piano, and violin - and the spiritual practice of chanting to draw audiences into a state of inner peace and well being. Inspired by the work of Brother Roger, who in 1940 founded the monastic community Taize as a refuge for peace during World War II, it is Lynne's vision to bring people across all spiritual communities together for contemplation, celebration and prayer. Beautiful music inspires inward beauty. Chanting is a simple form of singing that requires no musical skill to participate. Short songs when repeated with sincerity, concentration and love create a resonance that opens the heart and quiets the mind.
Concert of Prayers
Concert of Prayers is an uninterrupted series of spoken prayer, chants and music woven together to form a single presentation intended to draw participants deeper into prayer and reflection, similar to an experience of entering a sacred temple. The 17th century poet Tukaram Maharaj wrote "There is so much sweetness in chanting. There is so much nectar in the name of God you won't have to go to any holy place. As you repeat the name of God, your entire body becomes a holy place. Your mind itself becomes a holy place.
Concert of Prayers began from a deep desire to create an event devoted to the positive effect of prayer and beautiful music. In concert of prayers, there's the beginning, the initial adjustment of quieting the body and mind, absorbing the sound of the chants and music. After some time, participants move into a deeper, peaceful reflection, which then leads to an ending, a completion of the experience. Years ago, I encountered Swami Muktananda and Siddha Yoga Meditation. I was very moved by their spiritual practice of chanting. Not only was Muktannada's exhilarating energy impressive, but the beauty of hundreds of voices singing in unison was wonderful. Our times have tremendous change and turmoil. Chanting is a way to calm the mind and ease the heart. Beautiful music resonates our own inward feeling of beauty and inspires a sense of well being .