The notes ring out, brilliant, beautiful and resounding against the cathedral ceilings.

Some sway in rhythm with the music, others sit perfectly still, their eyes closed with emotion. The language is foreign to our ears, but the sentiment is clear: longing, love and peacefulness. Sharon Abreu and Grace McCune stand side by side, their voices mingling in rich and fluid sounds in the “Flower Duet,” a famous piece written for two sopranos.

The duet from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé was first performed in 1883 and continues to be featured in movies, commercials and in Emmanuel Episcopal Parish last week as part of the Brown Bag Concerts. Despite the song’s commercialization, something sacred was happening in the parish hall.

We are given such a gift every time a musician stands before us, baring their souls and sharing their talents. There is something nourishing about being part of a group of people who are gathering to revel in something so positive.

One only needs to check the front pages of any major newspaper to see the horrors of the world: “Norway Killer sentenced to 21 years;” “Refugee numbers swell as fighting in Syria intensifies,” “At least 18 killed in U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan.” The list go on, endless evidence of mankind’s mayhem.

Making music may not solve any of the world’s conflicts, but it brings a little more light to fight against the darkness. We would like to give thanks to the many islanders who make music accessible to our community. This summer, the Brown Bag concerts,

Music in the Park and the Chamber Music Festival’s outdoor concert not only educated and inspired us with the power of song, they did so at no charge. But we noticed at Abreu’s recent Brown Bag Concert that the donation basket was overfilling with green that will help fund a scholarship for a young Orcas music student each summer. And those donated dollars are evidence of a community that understands the importance of music.

The final Brown Bag concert at Emmanuel is with Susan Osborn, noon, Aug. 29.