Elena Bennett was always there, leading the choir in my local church.
You wannna hear the greats? Bernstein, Furtwangler, Phil Spector? I heard Elena.
I even sang, briefly, in the choir. Usually, I was there listening in on practice and sang along from the pew.
She would have made an incredible producer or conductor, but I doubt any except maybe a few of the famous conductors or producers could have done what she did with a small local church.
She would hear things we could not pick up, tiny- but huge- nuances, and knew how to tell you how to perform them. She inspired complete faith in her vision, and when it came together it was incredible.
Like the Grateful Dead, we were able to channel the spirit and love of God.
Brava, Elena! And thank you.
David S. Annderson
P.S. If you want to hear a choir almost as great as Elena's (maybe just as great in person), YouTube 'On The Third Day Allen Pote GPC Youth Choir'. We used to hear this incredible piece on Easter, and this is just an incredible performance!