A JOYOUS 2025 ‘EASTER CELEBRATION’ IN ESK

It was the week prior to Easter known as Holy Week commencing on Palm Sunday, April 13^th 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

CANTIAMO CHOIR CELEBRATES EASTER IN ESK

From the blessing of the open fire outside St Agnes Anglican Church and the lighting of the Paschal candle, through a thoroughly entertaining yet poignant sermon by the peerless Father Ian, to the reminders of baptism through his blessings and sprinkling of blessed water for the faithful, Easter Sunday Service in Esk was a celebration of joy commemorating this day of great religious significance. 

Under the inspiring direction of Alexis and with Margaret’s glorious accompaniment, it is only a handful of days before the ‘Cantiamo Choir’ departs for their long- awaited performance tour to Italy.  Along with Sunday’s liturgy for Easter, this morning was also a celebration of song by the Esk touring Choir with their sublime sounds of praise sung at significant intervals during the service. It was indeed a privilege to have been invited to partake of this special day and to share with a grateful congregation some of the sacred songs this Choir will be performing in some of Italy’s magnificent churches and basilicas.