Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, July 10, 2025
Before lunch was served, President Olaf welcomed Rotarians and guests Jennifer Snow, Jonathan Snow, Sherry Blackler Way, Neil Robbins, Parveen Sodhi, Justice Arkoh, Stan Pike, Janice Spencer, Sybil Steele, Kim Legge, and Rotarian Charlene Brophy from the St John’s Club.
Program
Rotarian Kathleen welcomed special guest Jens Lindemann. Jens is a world-renowned virtuoso trumpeter, professor of high distinction at UCLA who has received many accolades including the Order of Canada. His talk and playing were about the Healing Power of Music.
Jens began by about talking how in the face of devastating loss, he turned to the one constant in his life: music. When the Palisades wildfires destroyed his Southern California home in January 2025, Lindemann lost cherished possessions and most of his instruments. Yet, instead of retreating into despair, he found strength through sound.
He then played “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” by Duke Ellington.
He talked about the devastation around him and his wife before playing Gabriel’s Oboe. Gabriel’s Oboe is a piece originally composed for oboe by Ennio Morricone for the movie "The Mission. This has been adapted for the trumpet and has a well-known melody and holds great emotional depths.
He continued by talking about returning to the ashes of his home and his heart break. His most poignant moment came when he stood among the ashes of his home and played Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” — a moving act of grief and resilience.
This has been seen by many at the time on different TV channels.
He played “Smile “for Rotarians before continuing with his narrative.
A few weeks later after spending hours preparing, he performed Wynton Marsalis’s trumpet concerto in Sparta proclaiming, “Music will heal.”
During his presentation the spoke about the different trumpets he had on display These he had rescued when he had to evacuate his home, and two Oscar Peterson medals and a copy of the Congressional Gold Medal presented to Ambassador Ken Taylor by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
His presentation ended with him playing “Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson
Jens’ journey shows how music can express the inexpressible, offering comfort, connection, and healing even in the darkest times. Through every note, he reminded Rotarians and friends that music is not just performance — it is a lifeline.
Jens invited everyone to look at the different trumpets, the medals on display and that he would be pleased to answer any questions.
Martin thanked Jens for his inspiring and moving presentation before the meeting was adjourned.