Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi flute performs at the Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama. Proceeds of the concert were generously donated to the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society to benefit aspiring performing arts students. Photo: Erika Gates
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Freeport, Bahamas - Boxing Day afternoon was the perfect time
to relax and truly appreciate the blessings of Christmas.
The musical recital given by Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese
shakuhachi
bamboo flute at the Garden of the Groves was a
true gift to those in attendance
.
The shakuhachi is an unusual instrument
which 'sang' pulsating music with a vibrating 'voice', a perfect instrument to create and enhance a sense of peace
and relaxation.
The flute came from China to Japan in the eighth
century, and the Buddhist Monks have used it from that time as they walked
their Labyrinths in meditation.
The afternoon concert started in the beautiful little Chapel, which was full for the occasion. The audience were greeted at the door by Erika Gates, proprietor of the Garden of the Groves, and they were served a
choice of teas before taking their seats and being formerly welcomed by Barbara Chester, founder of the Grand Bahama Labyrinth.
Ms Chester introduced the
honoured guest,
Elizabeth Reian Bennett, whom she explained had very graciously waived her performance
fee in support of the
Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society
scholarship fund, the recipient of all funds raised during the special afternoon concert which will go towards
aspiring performing arts students on the Island
.
Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi flute talks about the history behind the unique instrument
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Reian Bennett
captivated her audience with her outstanding skill and amazing
connection with the unusual instrument on which she played a wide and
interesting variety of music. She demonstrated and explained different styles, sounds, and
techniques, and was most enlightening on offering the history of the shakuhachi,
and the crafting of such an instrument which has had a
variety
uses over time. Shaped like a club, it had occasionally been used as one when a traveling Monk had been set upon by bandits!
The
presentation was reverently received and loudly applauded. Dalia
Feldman, accompanied by Gloria McGlone, brought the concert to a close
with the hymn:
Let there be Peace on Earth, and the audience joined in.
Before
leaving the chapel
Reian Bennett
was presented with two Labyrinth embossed
items: a silk scarf and a large soft freezer-bag, which she said was a
perfect size to carry her music!
Dalia
Feldman, Founder and President of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts
Society thanked her team of Gloria McGlone and Ivy Elden for their help,
Erika Gates for her generosity, and special thanks was given Barbara
Chester for having arranged the concert for the benefit of the
GBPAS Scholarship fund.
The chapel performance in the Garden of the Groves Photo: Erika Gates
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In her remarks, Mrs Feldman said, "I thought Elizabeth's performance was educational and enlightening. It was wonderful to be exposed to a whole new world of music
, so foreign to us
. The GBPAS was thrilled to be a part of her performance and so grateful to be the recipients of the proceeds."
Reian Bennett's
enthralling presentation lasted nearly an hour in the chapel, and by
request, she graciously performed an encore on the Labyrinth, whilst
some of the community walked the Sacred Path in meditation.
This
was reported by many as being the highlight of their afternoon. The
very core notes and vibrations of this 'voice' resembling the 'OM' of
creation, make those present realise that the shakuhachi truly belongs with
creation in all its glory, and on the Sacred Path of the Labyrinth.
Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi flute performs at the Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama. Proceeds of the concert were generously donated to the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society to benefit aspiring performing arts students. Photo: Erika Gates
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Gifts for visiting artist, Elizabeth Reian Bennett are presented. Left to right: Barbara Chester, Founder, Grand Bahama Labyrinth; grand master flautist, Elizabeth Reian Bennett; and president and founder of the GPAS, Dalia Feldman. Photo: Erika Gates
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Founder and president of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society thanks visiting artist and organizers of the concert on Boxing Day in support of the young aspiring performing artists in Grand Bahama. Photo: Erika Gates
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Elizabeth Reian Bennett offers an encore performance on the Grand Bahama Labyrinth Photo: Erika Gates
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