Thanks for the Music, Lynn

An evening of hugs, tears, and fond memories marked a bittersweet milestone for Nova Voce as we gathered to celebrate Lynn Pelton, who recently announced her retirement. For years, Lynn has been so much more than our accompanist; she has been a steadfast friend, a trusted mentor, and an endless source of joy and amusement.

One of Lynn’s favorite stories to share sums up her unforgettable presence perfectly. During a performance in Truro, the choir had completed the first half, wrapped up intermission, lined up, and marched back onto the stage for the second half of the concert. We took our positions and smiled warmly at the audience.

And then, we just kept smiling.



No one was singing, because the piano bench was completely empty.

As our confident smiles slowly devolved into quizzical, panicked looks, Lynn finally swept onto the stage—perfectly poised but moving at a remarkably brisk pace. We later discovered she had been in the restroom ensuring her hair and makeup were flawless, missing the cue to return to the stage. Naturally, she received an extra-enthusiastic round of applause before she even struck her first chord.

Lynn, you leave big shoes—and a very empty piano bench—to fill. Thank you for the music, the guidance, and the laughter.

As Bob Hope might have said (or sung):

Thanks for the memories.

Of Sunday afternoons, practicing some Broadway tunes, Of page-turns on the fly, the twinkle in your eye, How lovely it was.

Thanks for the memories. Of concerts in the park, helping basses hit their mark, And making sure the baritones engaged their vocal spark— How lovely it was.

Thanks for the memories Of standing on the stage, while seconds felt an age, Because you were inside the loo and missed the cue-call page— How lovely it was.

We’ll miss your steady hand, The finest in the land, So thank you, Lynn, our dear, For every wonderful year— How lovely it was.