I'll Fly Away | Schola Diffusa | Pandemic Virtual Choir

Members of Schola Diffusa, Latin for "dispersed choir," sang this song from their homes around the country, as well as Europe. Our superb pianist is Michael Loonan, and our phenomenal violinist is Brigid McCarthy. In the wake of 350,000 deaths from COVID-19, this is a song of mournful joy.

[@gunalapsuka3944]

Dzīvot nozīmē ciest ,bet izdzīvot nozīmē atrast ciešanām jēgu.🤲🙏✝️😢

[@jonathansmith3031]

It's easy to feel alone in these dark times and devoid of our humanity. These virtual choirs are a Godsend. They remind us of all our brothers and sisters in the faith and that we aren't alone here. This rendition usually brings tears to my eyes and an incredible sense of peace.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Jonathan, for your very-kind note - we're glad that you enjoyed our rendition. You might also like our others! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i56leXWLe7pmkKM

[@jhernandez2931]

Belle Vérité ❤❤❤❤❤

[@marilynnjefferson8525]

Now in late June 2023, life for most of us is no longer restricted. However I have only now seen this and I’m loving it! It is wonderful. It’s a favorite from my youth. We’ll done all of you and thank you.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your nice note - we're glad that you liked it!

[@misterlimerick7601]

Whoever mixed the audio on this is a genius ! ! ! ! ! !

[@DamienRiehl]

That was me - many thanks for the compliment!

[@misterlimerick7601]

Perhaps genius is an understatement. I listen to a LOT of choir and chorus on youtube and somewhere there's always a sour note, voice crack, timing issue, etc. I listened to this 20 times and cannot find a single blemish. You sir, have achieved perfection, and that's coming from someone who's been mixing audio for 50 years !

[@DamienRiehl]

@@misterlimerick7601 , now you're making me blush. 🙂 Thanks for your very-kind words! For all of my choir's songs, I try to achieve perfection. So glad that you think this one made it! If you'd like to go down the rabbit hole of other "near perfect" songs, please feel free to listen to the rest of our playlist! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i56leXWLe7pmkKM

[@justinmacosky9083]

Where is the iTunes link for this???

[@althearobinson2312]

Our beloved choir director, Lahonda Sharp, passed away on August 23, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Your music is so very beautiful and comforting!!! Love and blessings from the Chancel Choir, First United Methodist Church, Missouri City, Texas 🙏❤️

[@jonnipayne3751]

WHT A DAY THAT WILL BE, 🙏

[@joedixon18]

Amen

[@lynnettecross-mack6956]

So beautiful ❤❤❤

[@DamienRiehl]

@@lynnettecross-mack6956 thanks!

[@leagilmore7022]

Thank you. I lost my husband April 2021 to this insidious scourge. Your song brings great comfort. Thank you, again.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thank you for your kind note, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@odalisalmarales2362]

Hablar de música en el dia nos ahorra varios años de vida.y lógicamente las arrugas se disimulan con las sonrisas

[@DamienRiehl]

¡Sí, eso es muy cierto! Gracias por ver nuestro video.

[@sapat664]

In the midst of this disease, there is hope and joy brought through these blessed voices and familiar songs. Praise them who make this possible.

[@johnh6404]

So much a treasure.

[@judithreed2436]

Just makes me cry. Want to be with the Lord and Mary. Miss all my loved ones.

[@vernonsamson8198]

Prelude to sing with the angels in heaven 😇

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Vernon, for your lovely note!

[@J_Kirch]

If the intent was to bring tears to an old mans eyes... you succeeded. Beautiful.

[@MisterTopaz]

I love this. Thank you all.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Don!

[@benhur3915]

Thanks for lifting me up this morning.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your kind note!

[@germainedanckaert8677]

so beautiful and the pandemic is not over I hope en pray that everbody may bless greetings from Belgium love it

[@louisecooper8488]

Another bad day for me. Just came back from my walk and here you all were to open up my heart and soul to our Good Lord. Thank you again. God bless you all.❤️✝️

[@markpackard5901]

So beautiful...

[@DamienRiehl]

@@markpackard5901 thanks!

[@shirleystelbrink2424]

This opened some areas in my life that I had buried. I had given up song, music and spiritual blessing. However, finding you all has lifted me up. Thank you for your efforts and the results are beautiful.

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Shirley, for your lovely note. We're so glad that our song moved you!

[@daveh5635]

Bless YOU, Damien Riehl! I am reduced to tears every time I watch this, thinking of Family members lost too soon. I just shared it with a Musician Friend in the UK who lost his Mum suddenly in July, 2019 due to an undetected heart problem. Such a beautiful reminder for ALL of us about how precious life is, but even more importantly, reminding us to look forward to eternity with our dear Heavenly Father! Thank you!

[@sherryparriott1163]

Thank you for reminding us of the sweet peace those we have lost are now finding. 🙏

[@DamienRiehl]

Lovely note, Sherry - thank you.

[@DannyWBrownJapan]

Nice Song. Makes me want to fly away with Jesus!

[@lennysmith181]

I always suspected that “melodies can capture the anointing,” the sweetness, the joy, the fun! I think I may be right:). This song srurely does. Nice job, Damien and crew! Wow!

[@lennysmith181]

I just wish I had written “Happy Birthday To You” or “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” or “My sweet Lord” or “It’s For You, Darlin’.” :)

[@danflicker6881]

Thank you. Made my day much easier as it's the 25th anniversary of my dad's passing.

[@Sbaxter1989]

I'm so sorry 😕

[@pattirogness9025]

I've listened to this so many times - and watched it - I feel like I know these folks! Thank you for helping to make this isolation time endurable. This is so lovely.

[@DamienRiehl]

They're all good people. As are you. Thanks for your kind words, Patti!

[@jonathansmith3031]

I feel the same. I can't wait to meet them all someday in the new kingdom.

[@laurawhite9861]

Excellent performance! Speechless! What a blessing this was to me and to so many others. Thankyou

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks for your kind words!

[@Orpilorp]

Jane here. An old favorite, and how lovely with all the voices. You did a wonderful job putting them all together.

[@lmchoir]

This is a beautiful rendition. Well done all. We have sing this ourselves in the past - it's loved the world over.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thank you!

[@andrewellis7656]

So perfect - it's a deep delight. Thanks/

[@EN-fl6dv]

RIP Dr. John McDougall. May his family and friends find peace and comfort.

[@marcodlc8479]

Bela cançao ♥

[@Schwansonian_Townsonian]

Tears.

[@remypepin2400]

This song reminds me of the friends I lost ....

[@DamienRiehl]

My condolences, Remy.

[@kwabenadwomo-anokye6658]

Brilliant, just brilliant ❤❤❤

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!

[@robschoenrock4781]

That was so amazing. Thanks so much for sharing all your talents.

[@dennisparker174]

Just a beautiful version of this song. It is addictive, I can listen to the song over and over. Thanks for such a great version of this song.

[@danmcmahon9108]

The great side of people, gives us hope.

[@brycehubbard4821]

I love y’all so much with that song I love that song called fly away that’s very beautiful stuff y’all

[@catrionafekete7610]

Thank you for this amazing experience. It is a piece of art. So beautiful

[@DnDx2]

I played this song for my mother as she flew away 7 years ago. Beautiful!

[@mjcard]

Me too. Seven years ago. She flew away.

[@judithreed2436]

They are so gifted. Praise God❤️🙏

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Judith!

[@polkadot240]

I just got so emotional with this..still trying to stop the tears...it was magical..thank you.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Geo, for your lovely note!

[@misspeabody7097]

I love this. I wish you would do more like it. I would love to join in that type of song.❤

[@DamienRiehl]

Sure, I'd love to sing similar songs, too. What particular titles do you have in mind?

[@kerryoakey6105]

Simply beautiful 🥰

[@pattirogness9025]

Thank you so much for doing this, Damien and members of Schola Diffusa! It's so uplifing. The voice is such an amazing instrument! (Andrew Wilkowski - lovely to see you!)

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Patti, for your lovely note! Any day I get to collaborate with a phenomenal artist like Andrew is a great day! Thanks again!

[@pattirogness9025]

@@DamienRiehl I listen to this often. I'm so grateful!

[@DamienRiehl]

@@pattirogness9025 I'm so glad. The song itself is lovely - and a much-needed balm.

[@audspod1]

This is just such a lovely tribute, thank you for sharing.

[@louisecooper8488]

Thank you again! God bless you all. You all harmonize so beautifully. Nice editing.❤️🥰🙏✝️🕯

[@lyriaaneed4083]

So amazing - thank you for sharing ❤️ definitely brings some joy in these times.

[@daveh5635]

This is so incredibly beautiful! Thank you so much for Creating & Sharing this! A BLESSING, Damien!

[@daveh5635]

And now, February, 2023, my dear wife of 59 years has left me to join that Heavenly Choir! I look forward to seeing her again in the presence of our Lord and Savior! Now, I understand why this song has hit me so hard EVERY SINGLE TIME I have heard it>God has been preparing me for my Wife's departure!💔🙏💖

[@louisecooper8488]

Another oldie but goodie. God bless you all🙏✝️👍❤️

[@prastowojudana5505]

Wonderful composition. My big family has been contracted by Covid in the middle of last year, and taken away one of my beloved brother. This is truly a song of mournful joy. God bless you all.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thank you - and I'm so sorry about your brother. Blessings to you and your family.

[@Chrysler1961]

So well done. The violin is a beautiful addition to the song

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Edwin - for your note, and for listening!

[@anne-mariegoyette4240]

so beautiful !! I love this version - wonderful job everyone !!

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Anne-Marie!

[@anne-mariegoyette4240]

You're welcome ❤

[@EastValleyChorale]

Nice presentation. Thanks for sharing this encouraging, and well done song.

[@williambrewer6915]

one word........beautiful

[@brockmeyer3894]

Very beautiful song

[@warrenhuff7349]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!

[@thealeph9201]

Wonderful arrangement

[@EastValleyChorale]

Wonderful production. Thanks for sharing this beautiful arrangement. I appreciate all the work required to create such a nice final product. I continue to enjoy listening to this song.

[@furlabus8916]

Gracias !!!!

[@kurtbrunner6469]

In memory of my dear friend, Anita. Sung by a Presbyterian Choir at her funeral.

[@amyrenee1513]

Violin is beautiful

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks - the violin part was played by the amazingly talented Brigid McCarthy. At the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, she's Assistant Concertmaster, and at the Las Cruces Symphony, she's Concertmaster. We were thrilled that she took the time to contribute her beautiful sound! www.chicagophilharmonic.org/2013/10/chicago-philharmonic-violinist-brigid-mccarthy/

[@fourwindsmw]

beautiful music, and amazing technical skill in putting together all of the virtual performances

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Mark!

[@maryellenbirkland94]

Beautiful rendition

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your kind note!

[@louiseells7123]

Thank you!!

[@susanandrews6715]

So beautiful!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Susan!

[@CITASENAUDIODELLIBRODEURANTIA]

Bravo!🙏🙏🙏

[@andrewfisher7025]

Great singing and virtual engineering + violin & piano

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Andrew!

[@SimonDanielsson]

Beautiful Daimen!! Playing the instruments live is great!! Inspiration from me with the piano and violin? ;)

[@benruben1008]

This is wonderful music-

[@DamienRiehl]

Thank you!

[@Rondi2009]

Wow ! C'est un super de beau travail ,très agréable à écouter.

[@DamienRiehl]

Merci beaucoup!

[@MicheleHartleyAuthor]

Inspiring and beautiful - it was a true gift in very trying moments. Thank you so very much!

[@marionsquire2538]

Beautiful

[@zynzane9680]

Lovely

[@HymnOfTheWeek]

Bravo!

[@jozsefveres3423]

wonderful

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!

[@JTAydelotte]

I have been extremely impressed by these virtual choirs. I am curious about how to join one of them. Music has been a huge part of my life, and it truly does bring happiness to the soul.

[@DamienRiehl]

Hi JT, you're welcome to join us. Not sure how much I'll have time to coordinate future songs, but if you send me your e-mail address (direct message?), I would be happy to add you to our distribution list.

[@DamienRiehl]

If you're on Twitter, you can DM me at my account: @damienriehl

[@garynicholas3772]

Dear God Jesus Holy Spirit,Please allow me to learn on JESUS. Yes. Thanks. IN EMMANUEL'S NAME. Amen Love Gary D Nicholas )

[@brianbannon6746]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:14

[@davecarveswood2645]

Energy

[@garynicholas3772]

Dear God Jesus Holy Spirit, Please Love, Bless and Allow me to say and write, "Praise God! I am in the STORM.Yes.Thanks. IN EMMANUEL'S NAME. Amen Love Gary D Nicholas:)

[@charlespatsky7060]

R.I.P. , Jennifer, from great-Uncle Charlie

[@musicmastersofchanhassen2397]

I am a private music teacher. I have been teaching Zoom online lessons for the last 6 years when there are icy roads, parents are tied up at work etc. As of March 1st 2020 I went to all Zoom lessons and it has been working great. I know my students miss being together so in addition to their private lessons each week I have set up 5 Ensemble Classes where it can be quartets on multiple instruments rehearsing once a week. I would like to create for each class at the end of the 8 week session a video like the one I see here. I know how each performer sings their part with the use of headphones or ear buds. BUT could you please share with me how you put this all together showing each individual member singing their part but in your video we hear all of them together. Thank you in advance.

[@DamienRiehl]

Hi, it's actually relatively time-consuming task, requiring specialized software and expertise. This link is a decent primer on the process: jdfrizzell.com/2020/04/how-to-make-a-virtual-choir-video/

[@lisab5204]

So beautiful. Is the choral music available to purchase?

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks! We aren't selling music, but if you send me a direct message, I can send you a copy for free. twitter.com/damienriehl or www.linkedin.com/in/damienriehl/

[@lisab5204]

@@DamienRiehlThank you so much. I messaged you.

[@iglesiasantacruz]

I need permission for use this song in my service

[@DamienRiehl]

Yes, please feel free - permission on our side granted.

[@maryann66]

lovely -- what app do you use to do something like this? Mary Ann

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Mary Ann. You can use any combination of DAW and video-editing software. I use Studio One and DaVinci Resolve. Or if you'd like to get 90% of the way there for a fraction of the time, you can use a service like SongAlong: songalong.live/

[@maryann66]

@@DamienRiehl thanks so much -- I'm going to investigate all of those -- this is very helpful.

[@DamienRiehl]

@@maryann66 of course - happy to help. On the "how to" side, here's a good explainer of the process: jdfrizzell.com/2020/04/how-to-make-a-virtual-choir-video/

[@pippasimpson5484]

How can I get a copy of this recording?

[@DamienRiehl]

I've considered creating an album - distributed to the streaming services - but for now, this is the best place to get it!

[@robertbarlow4176]

Hi, could you say anything about copyright. I would love to use this as part of an online All Souls service at the end of next month. Would that be OK or will facebook mute it?

[@DamienRiehl]

Regarding our rights in the performance: I won't assert any copyright claims against you 😊 - from my perspective, please feel free to use it at your All Souls service.

[@elamanmora5759]

❤😇🕎😇❤🕊

[@cacampbell3654]

Which “country”?!

[@DamienRiehl]

Almost all singers are from the United States (e.g., Minnesota, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington), and one from the EU's Czechia (i.e., Czech Republic).

[@surgicalshooter911]

Good job, but some southern accents would have put you over the top. 😉👍

[@高木三樹-e3z]

全然、いけそうにないから、使命の戦いをしてるんですよ。でも、気候変動のことワースト５は、日本含め、放ったらかしだから、行くのも怖い感じがする。

[@Sbaxter1989]

Running out of Kleenex 😕

[@Sbaxter1989]

2:00 favorite part, not just saying that.

[@tamaragillan6485]

Gg

[@johnrutherford3740]

Beautiful

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!