by Thomas Palmer

When I walked into the First United Church of Christ yesterday afternoon, it had been several years since I attended a performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Galion Community Chorus.

Many years ago I had succumbed to the tendency of classical music lovers to relegate Messiah to the permanent backburner. After all, it’s a piece of music I know well enough to probably do a fair job of on-the-spot, no-notice conducting. Yesterday, however, something unexpected happened as I listened yet again to that familiar music.

First, I was taken back in my mind to a moment when my life, at least, seemed simpler. I sang in the Galion Community Chorus during my high school years. Even though my voice is better suited at present to the bass range, it was during these years that I grew to love the incredible, soaring tenor parts in many of the work’s great choruses. I remember the then-stalwarts of the Community Chorus, many of them people who have long since passed away. My own late father served headed the Chorus’ Board and chaired the 25th Annual Messiah back in 1979.

Second, I was transported by the performance. The Chorus’ new Bizzi harpsichord is a glorious instrument, to be sure; its unique ability to be both heard during large choruses such as “And the Glory of the Lord” and also provide accompaniment to soloists was immediately evident. The soloists were clearly talented, and each provided several moments of intense musical expression. As soprano soloist Stephanie Sikora sang “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth,” the emotion seemed palpable.

It was the chorus itself, however, which truly astounded me. The sectional balance clearly demonstrated the work of a talented conductor, and diction and expression were spot-on. “Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs,” for instance, seemed to grab listeners and glue them to their chairs. I also doubt that I have heard a better rendition of “Hallelujah Chorus” anywhere. Conducor John Sikora is the Director of Opera and Assistant Professor of Music at Kent State University.

Third, I was impressed by the fact that I was sitting in the middle of Galion, Ohio. Here, in a facility which pre-dated the unfortunately-demolished auditorium of Galion High School by almost 10 years, was a truly community event. Before the concert began, Maestro Sikora challenged members of the chorus and audience to contribute to a scholarship fund for high school students to participate in the annual performance. One by one, individuals raised their hands and made verbal pledges to the cause, and in five minutes over $1400 was raised. It was testament to Galion’s ongoing and passionate love affair with great music, and a strong indication that that relationship will continue into the future. What a happy day.

The entire performance will be re-broadcast on Christmas Day as follows:

9:00 a.m. – WQEL 92.7 FM
9:00 a.m. – WBCO 1540 AM
6:00 p.m. – WQEL 92.7 FM