A degree recital by Scott Fikse, MM Choral Conducting, "Begin Again," with the University of Washington Recital Choir; Graduate Cohort Ensemble; Distler 8 Octet; Dr. Stephen Price, organ; Jared Parson, harp; and members of the UW Baroque Ensemble.
Program Note
Inspired by my experiences with mindfulness meditation and several years as a singer for the annual Shinnyo-En Buddhist lantern floating ceremony in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, I have shaped a program that explores one of the central precepts of meditation; to begin again. Mindfulness meditation teaches that we can begin again without judgment. When we forgive someone, we begin again. When we experience major life events or changes, we often need to begin again. If we fall short, we can choose to restart or pivot. There are also theological and spiritual new beginnings dealing with resurrection, enlightenment, and rebirth. This program explores many of these ideas, and is also a personal expression filled with symbolism and narrative. We invite you to silence your phones, take a deep breath, and enjoy the powerful music these ensembles have thoughtfully prepared.
Biography
Scott Fikse is a first-year doctoral conducting student at the University of Washington as well as a vocalist, choral clinician, and vocal coach. Currently he serves as the assistant conductor of the University of Washington Chorale, sings as a choral scholar with the St. Mark’s Compline Choir, and has served as a TA or co-instructor for choral methods, music history, and conducting as a UW graduate appointee. He is also a regular contributor to the American Choral Directors Association monthly Choral Journal magazine.
Scott moved to Seattle from Honolulu in 2022, where he directed the music program at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu and created the church’s popular “First Mondays” and “Jazz Journey” concert series. Under his direction the LCH choirs prepared over 200 works each year, ranging from chant, Renaissance polyphony, and Baroque works to modern masters.He also served as director of the Honolulu Chorale and artistic director of Early Music Hawaii, where he continues to serve as board president and conductor. Scott recently returned from a summer abroad that included conducting the University of Washington Chorale in eastern Europe and a pilgrimage to England with the Seattle-based Compline Choir, singing while in residence at St. Alban’s, St. Paul’s London, and Canterbury cathedrals.