If you go
› What: An Intimate Concert on the Solstice› Where: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 848 Ashland Terrace› When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21› Admission: $15 adults, $5 students› For more information: 423-877-2428
Tim Hinck is a classically trained pianist and composer and a former Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands.Musician Tim Hinck says he’s found himself in an introspective and creative state of mind on the winter solstice over the last few years, either writing a new piece of music or spending time in deep meditation.
“The winter solstice is always an important time for me to refocus and recalibrate my mind and spirit. Whether it’s coincidence or some evolutionary biological clock, I have no idea, but the idea struck me this year to share this experience with my friends and followers by holding a concert and meditation opportunity,” he says.
So on this winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and longest night – Hinck is opening his personal time of spiritual reflection and recharging to others wishing to join him. He will play “An Intimate Concert on the Solstice,” Thursday evening, Dec. 21, at 7:30 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 848 Ashland Terrace.
“This is absolutely intended to be a therapeutic event. I have heard that this ‘shortest day’ can represent the general winter depression that can set in, exacerbated by the holidays and any loss that one has experienced in the past. I hope that this concert and time of meditation can also be a time of healing for those who need it,” he says.
Guests will hear a 45-minute program of carefully selected music by Bach in a candlelit environment that is conducive to meditation. Hinck says that chairs and mats will be available. The audience will be asked to refrain from applause between numbers so as not to interrupt those meditating.
Hinck says he chose Bach’s work because “the complex structure and mathematical relationships of Bach’s music encourage neural connections, cellular interactions that have experimentally affected plant growth, child development and brain function. His music is a wonderful accompaniment to meditation, but I believe that it is also beneficial for the type of psychological ‘reset’ that I am hoping to provide.”
Although the concert is ticketed, Hinck says he wants to provide a meditative experience for anyone wishing to attend, so $5 tickets will be offered for students or anyone experiencing financial hardship.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.