Poetry, Music & Meaning: A Rilke Reading Group with the Carmel Bach Festival

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Wednesday, July 15 & 22, 11 am–12 pm
Rec Room

Love music? Love poetry? Love the combination of both? Join our friends from the Carmel Bach Festival for a special two-part Rilke Reading Group at The Carmel Foundation.

Together, we'll explore the work of Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, whose writings have inspired generations of composers and musicians. His poetry explores themes of faith and solitude, death and transformation, human fragility, and the search for meaning.

Participants will discuss poems that will be featured in the Bach Festival's Wednesday Night Mission Concert, where Rilke's words have been set to music by four different composers. Sessions will be led by the Bach Festival's Artistic Advisor and Director of Choral Activities Andrew Megill, longtime Chorale member Kathleen Flynn, and local poet Katieann Vogel.

Each session includes discussion, a brief presentation, and opportunities to explore the connections between poetry, music, and the human experience.

A special highlight of the July 22 session will be a guest appearance by composer Stephen Andrew Taylor, who will discuss his composition Only Yes, inspired by one of Rilke's reflections on death.

No prior knowledge of poetry is required. Participants will receive a booklet of selected poems upon RSVP.