"Who is this King of Glory"

From where I was sitting I could see a lot! For I was sitting in the middle of the chorus and could see all the people entering the sanctuary, in anticipation of having their souls fed with music and word. I was singing with the Wichita Choral Society. And so was my son Michael. This is our second year singing together, and I can't even put into words how my heart sings knowing my son is singing behind me.

As the 15 piece orchestra settled into their chairs, the chorus members were too, settling in their seats. All were attired in black and white. This  choral group of 100 had been rehearsing for 2 months and the day had arrived to perform one of Handel's masterpieces, THE MESSIAH.  Applause exploded as the director/conductor and the guest soloists entered this magnificent sanctuary. The orchestra and chorus stood up to applaud the respect that was had for this director and  principal vocal artists. As all were seated, the director took his stance on his platform, with baton up, there wasn't a sound in that hall. At the moment of command, the orchestra began playing the overture to this well loved music.

The violins were pure in every note that was played. The first soloist came to his platform and began to sing.  The tenor sang his music with precision and strength, singing each note with such clarity. The message conveyed was clearly understood. The chorus stood up at the command of the director and in joyful sound with such fullness, the sanctuary was filled with God's Glory. The second soloist took his place to sing. A voice of deep robust with each word, and each note being  sung. The Bass solo sang so powerfully holding on to every sound, making the listener feel that there was a reason, a purpose to soak in this music. As this choral piece continued, the Alto and Soprano soloists sang with such pitch, such elegance that even an untrained ear would get caught up in the angelic sound.

This piece of music not only speaks to me musically, but also with the words, taken from scripture.  I hear words of  sin, words of warning, words of comfort and words of hope. 

What an incredible privilege to sing with this Choral group and an honor to sing this beautiful and well loved music.