It was the week prior to Easter known as Holy Week commencing on Palm Sunday, April 13th when, in an affirmation of their Christian faith, a multi denominational congregation filled the auditorium at the Somerset Civic Centre for an ‘Easter Celebration’.
At this celebration, the fundamentals of which were implemented by the
Anglican Church’s Reverend Loretta Tyler-Moss, and in the company of the
Brisbane Valley Churches Together and the Esk Community Choir, those present
were captivated by the portrayal in actions, word and song of Christ’s
triumphant palm waving entry into
Jerusalem, His affirmation of love at the last supper, the betrayal, arrest,
crucifixion, death, and burial, culminating in His glorious resurrection.
The narrative of the Easter Story
has inspired some most magnificent choral works. To the outstanding musical direction by Alexis
FitzGerald OAM, and impeccable accompaniments by Alexis, Ruth Skippen, and
Suzanne Clemence, fused with the elements of the story of Easter, the Esk
Community Choir uplifted the congregation with some celebrated works; Steven Moore’s Magnificat, G F Handel’s
Hosanna!, the beautiful arrangement of Kyrie by Jerry Estes, the
passion of Mendelssohn, and Eugene Butler’s Agnus Dei, a sublime arrangement
of The Lord’s Prayer sung by Roland Cox, that well-known, well-loved Old Hundredth Psalm Tune, and a final
inspiring crescendo by choir and congregation with Lift High the Cross.
These great moments in the life of the church and of Jesus provide powerful lenses through which each of us can envision our own lives, perhaps differently, expanding our understanding of ourselves and of others.
To Reverend Loretta Tyler-Moss
for her invitation to choir and to all who shouldered the task of bringing a
Christian community together to celebrate this story of Jesus’s sacrifice for
all humanity, Alexis and her Esk Community Choir give their heartfelt thanks.
By: Sue Walker
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