The Spiritual Energy of Music

By Ann Kuffner 

“A free and responsible search for truth and meaning” is one of the Unitarian Universalist principles that binds our community together. Many of us are spiritually inspired by certain pieces of music, but what leads to inspiration when a person is composing music? What role does emotion play in creativity? How might music be “healing”—mentally, spiritually, and physically? 

The May 28 service will address the human quest for the sublime, for awe, through music. Michael Hoppe and Jurgen Ahlers will dialogue, exploring music as a connecting energy to beauty or “the divine,” transcending the mundane to what we might call “sacred.” Please join us for this exploration—and the music itself. 

Michael Hoppe is a British composer and music executive born in Cairo in 1944 to British parents. Hoppe grew up in England and developed a love for music at an early age. 

In 1969 Hoppe began working in the music industry as a record producer and executive. In addition to his work as a producer, Hoppe continued to compose music throughout his career. His music has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Among a host of international awards, Hoppe has received several Grammy nominations. 

Hoppe’s compositions are characterized by their lush, romantic melodies and evocative harmonies. He draws inspiration from classical, world, and popular music traditions. His sounds have been described as «hauntingly beautiful» and «emotionally resonant.” 

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal faith inviting its community to gather together around a set of harmonizing values and principles for living. Our UU Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Belief in a divinity is not the central issue around which we gather for worship and generous action. Rather, we come together with a belief in community, love, compassion, social justice, reverence for nature, and the spirituality of music, all within the interconnected web of existence.

UUFSMA donates generously to support nonprofit organizations that provide health, educational, and environmental services for underserved communities in the San Miguel region. Please support this work by clicking on the website home page Donate button. 

To participate in our online Sunday Service, visit www.uufsma.org and click on the Zoom Service button on the home page. If requested, enter password 294513. Sign in from anywhere Sunday mornings between 10:15-10:25am CST. Enjoy previous services at https://www.youtube.com/UUFSMA.

In addition to continuing live Zoom services, UUFSMA has returned to in-person Sunday services. Masks are optional, but a distanced area is reserved for those preferring. UUFSMA meets at the Hotel Posada de la Aldea on Ancha San Antonio 15.