The 30th Annual Messiah Sing In

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA held their 30th Annual Sing-In of Handel‘s “Messiah” on Monday December 22nd which featured a professional orchestra ensemble and soloists who accompanied the voices of those members of the community who participated in the concert. The event was preceded by an Reception nearby at The Shawnee Gallery* whose eye catching art and hospitality warm the souls of those who were about to venture out into the cold to gather at The Shawnee Playhouse* to partake of the annual holiday event. It was a wonderful time to meet with friends made throughout the years and to discover new ones over a delightful glass of Eggnog.

This year’s concert was dedicated to the memory of Numa Snyder* who passed away early that morning and whose participation in the program will be missed although his presence will be felt by all who knew him for some time to come. This is especially true of me who learned a great deal from him while I served as a DJ on East Stroudsburg University’s* Radio Station (WESS FM) when I was a student there. Professor Emeritus Snyder presented a Swing Time Band Show along with his Sunday Afternoon Concerts consisting of Classical Music. He occasionally asked me to fill in when we was unavailable to present his programs and the experience not only broadened my understanding and appreciation for the musical styles but of life itself. This is something I shall take with me throughout my life and I shall always hold him in a place in my heart.

As indicated earlier, the community concert consisted of G. F. Handel’s Sacred Oratorio composed in 1741. The evening is comprised of an orchestra who included Wendy Davis (who also served as Concert Mistress), Carol Kraemer, Mary Anne Moore, Chris Souza, Brittany Smith, and Karl Viernstein on Violins, Betsy Buzzelli-Clark* (who also served as the Orchestra Coordinator), Marsha Cahn, and Ellen Yogey on Violas, Mercedes and Julia Jurkiewcz along with Margery Metzgar on Cellos, Jenny Collins on Piano (who also served as Accompanist), Gerry Geiger on Oboe, Tim Eick on Trumpet (who also served as a soloist), and Steve Mathiesen on Timpani. Those who shared their voices in the Solo and ensemble portions of the evening included Nancy Everden, Sara Ferguson*, Tassy Gilbert, Wendy and Gary Grise, Marjorie Groenwald, Chris Henry, Rob Howell*, Dan Hoy, Jim Maroney*, Midge McClosky*, Tom Revelle, Dale Veirnstein, and Michael Yasenchock. ESU Professor Terry Flatt joyfully conducted the orchestra and the featured singers along with the multitude of music lovers who were on hand to share their love for the work and the friendships they’ve developed during the years.

The 31st Annual Messiah Sing In is scheduled to take place December 22nd, 2009 while the next presentations at The Shawnee Playhouse* will be their production of “Pieces of Evelyn” by Betsy Jackson* to be performed January 17th - 25th and the classic “’Night Mother” to be performed January 31st - February 8th. The Shawnee Playhouse* offers a $2.00 to selected productions and The Shawnee Gallery (www.theshawneegallery.com) offers a 10% discount off the purchases of their items to Passionate Art Lovers of The Forwardian Arts Society. Please feel free to contact me for more information. Exploring The Shawnee Playhouse* Website will help you to gain more information about their upcoming production and an opportunity to reserve your ticket. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The 30th Annual Messiah Sing In Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.