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Mahoning Valley Chorale spiritedly delivers Lenten message ‘Always a blessing’
Lenten Concert
Gallery
Members of the Mahoning Valley Chorale Lenten Concert perform in front of the crowd at St. Angela Merici Parish.
By SHAIYLA B. HAKEEM
YOUNGSTOWN
Attendees listened in awe as voices of the Mahoning Valley Chorale echoed in melodious accord through the historic arched ceilings of St. Angela Merici Parish on Sunday.
The chorale performed a Lenten concert titled “A Time for All Things.” The acoustic arrangement illustrated the story leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and celebrated his love for all mankind.
Kris Harper, the chorale’s director for the past 13 years, said the concert theme was derived from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
“It’s a very popular Scripture reading that talks about how there is a time for everything in life,” Harper explained. “I decided to call it that because there is a time for all things.”
Eight songs were performed. These included “A Time for All Things,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Within the Shadow of the Cross,” “Is There Room for a Sinner,” “The Day the Cross Held Up the Sky,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “In Remembrance of Me” and “How Great the Love.”
There was no speaking between songs, which allowed listeners to focus solely on the harmonic euphoniousness of the hymns.
“The music lends itself to allow people to contemplate Lent for Easter and to meditate,” Harper said. “It depicts Christ’s suffering and his love for us.”
The Lent season began March 1 (Ash Wednesday) and will continue through April 16 (Easter Sunday). It is a 40-day period used by many as a personal time to grow closer to God.
The chorale is a nonprofit and nondenominational chorus founded in 2000 by John Simpson under its former name, Seraphim. It was changed to the Mahoning Valley Chorale in 2014. This is only its second year doing a Lenten concert, but the group plans to make it an annual event. As opposed to performing the Lenten concert in only one venue, as it did last year, the chorale decided to extend the concert reach this year to include Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poland and St. Stanislaus Kostka in Youngstown.
Father Kevin Peters, pastor of St. Angela Merici Parish, said it is an honor to have the chorale come to his church and perform for the community. He encourages all to share the gifts that were bestowed upon them with other people.
“It is always a blessing to have people bring their talents, their gifts that come from God, and share them in a church setting,” said Father Peters.
Over the years, the number of chorale members has dwindled due to conflicting schedules, wavering members and natural attrition. It takes hard work and the commitment of everyone involved to make the group successful, Harper said.
“Singing in the choir is really a team effort,” said Harper.
No one would know how much of an effort it can be better than the chorale’s most-senior member, Christine Porter of Boardman. She has been singing with the group since its inception. She said she loves to sing and will continue to do so as a means to keep her vocal skills sharp.
“I sing for the joy of singing and everything it entails,” she said. “I continue for spiritual and personal improvement as well as improving my voice and articulation.”
Guest musicians assisting the chorale included Boardman resident David Timlin, violinist; Warren native Antonie Jackson, flute/trumpet player; and vocalist Sierra McCorvey.
Among the attendees of the concert sat Alice Peterson of Hubbard. She heard about the Lenten concert from a colleague at her place of work. She smiled and sang along with the hymns while raising her hands periodically in praise.
“Their performance was divine,” said Peterson. “It was just beautiful.”
The chorale conducts weekly rehearsals on Mondays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is looking for vocalists for all singing sections: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Anyone interested can contact Harper at 330-540-8589 or visit the chorale’s Facebook page.