“The Choir of Heaven”: Andrews University Fall Choirs’ Concert

On Nov. 1 in the Howard Performing Arts Center, the Andrews University Singers filled the auditorium with reverent praise and worship for the wonders of the Lord while also honoring Professor Stephen Zork’s final year of conducting. The Fall Choir Concert centered on the theme of God’s pervasive goodness expressed through stunning choral works, celebrated the wonders of God through songs and music. 

The evening’s program featured a wide and diverse selection of music spanning cultures and languages, from the soothing sounds of "The Glory of the Father" by Egil Hovland to the dramatic intricacies of "Adonai Ro'i" from Chichester Psalms. The choir transcended the barriers of language by singing songs in English, German, Greek, Hebrew and Spanish from the jubilant “Erschallet ihr Lieder, Erklinget, ihr Saiten” by Johann Sebastian Bach, a Baroque cantata originally composed for Pentecost, to the rich harmonies of “Nada te Turbe” by Joan Szymko, a piece which was inspired by Mother Teresa’s writings. Both songs flowed seamlessly into each other to function as one cohesive performance. Similarly, other songs such as “Kyrie” composed by Josef Gabriel, sung in Greek, was immediately followed up by “Ride in the Chariot” arranged by Brandon Waddles, leading into several highlights of the evening. 

The first highlight of the evening came with Rosenphaye Powell’s “The Word Was God,” which left many in the audience stunned by its impactful clarity and deliberate phrasing. As the second piece of the evening, it immediately drew listeners in, setting the tone of the concert and offering a glimpse into the powerful, nuanced performances that followed. Early in Joan Szymko’s “Nada te Turbe” was a brief yet memorable cello solo, which held a prolonged applause from the audience, drawing both standing ovations and whistling alike. 

Another was during “Ride in the Chariot,” arranged by Brandon Waddles, which featured a soprano solo by Elsie Mokaya to add to the joyful piano at the start; the soloist’s animated energy captivated listeners. A song that caught the eyes of many was “Adonai Ro’i” from Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, which had an abrupt and almost chaotic rhythm, with the lead singer dressed up as a shepherd. Throughout the concert, both percussion instruments and organ were conducted alongside the choir, complementing the performance of the night. Last of the evening’s highlights was Craig Courtney’s “Psalm 23,” which had the powerful choir accompanied by a piano, which visibly moved many listeners. It was later described by choir member Denzel Bembry as feeling “the emotion of it, the fullness of God.” 

From the first chord to the reverent final harmony, the concert was able to carry the audience through a journey of worship. Standout performances included Rosenphaye Powell’s “The Word Was God,” the cello solo in Joan Szymko’s “Nada te Turbe,” and Elsie Mokaya’s spirited performance in “Ride in the Chariot.” As the concert began to end, it proved itself to be both a celebration of music and an inspiration to both the audience and the choir members. As choir member Denzel Bremby put it, “Seeing people being better than me inspires me to be better,” capturing the spirit of growth and devotion present in the evening.