A message from the Minister of Music
I am delighted to report that our Spring Choral Concert held last Sunday was a smashing success! Our Newman choir was joined by friends to total 24 singers who poured their hearts and souls into the music. Their gorgeous singing was accompanied by Stephen Martorella who brilliantly underscored their voices with his orchestral interpretations on organ and glorious piano playing.
Our concert featured three works by African American composer Mark Andrew Miller and three works by British composer Will Todd. These songs each featured lyrics that are relevant to all of the issues going on in society today. For this reason and for their lovely musical settings, the audience responded with complete attention and authentic emotion. During I Believe, a setting by Miller of an anonymous Jewish poem found on the wall of a cellar where Jews were hiding from the Nazis, the emotions were strong and the weeping was noticeable in the pews. Herein lies the power of the music and why we are performing — to touch the hearts of our listeners.
Our performance of Schubert’s Mass in G was outstanding. The choir sang the Latin with great feeling and musicality, and rose to the occasion! Our soloists were excellent, featuring Becky Bass with her sweet soprano sounds on several movements, and Thomas Seeger, tenor, and Jonne Gomes, bass, who were fantastic.
I am happy to report that we reached our financial goal of $3,000 for this concert! Because we received such great sponsorship from the Newman community and beyond, combined with up front tickets sale, we were able to hit our fundraising goal. My thanks to everyone who attended the concert for sharing your precious time with us. My extra special thanks to Bill and Sandy Wood, co-chairs of the Music Committee, who coordinated the whole event and organized a fabulous reception in Memorial Hall. I want to thank Michelle White for all of her work to help make this concert possible. She is a savior to the Music Ministry. What a treat to have Rev. Sam welcome folks to the concert and read our Land Acknowledgement Statement!
All and all it was a day I will remember forever. I am blessed to lead Newman’s Music Ministry. The people that I get to work with on a consistent basis are top notch. I feel like the luckiest person to lead events like this. Thanks be to God for the gift of music! I don’t know where I’d be without it!
Respectfully,
Geoff