Chorale explores musical traditions of Lutheran church
April 30th, 2003 in the Oak LeavesBy: Jennifer Olvera
Time-honored chorale traditions are key to the composition of the Oak Park Concert Chorale.
During a special performance Sunday honoring Grace Lutheran Church, its vocal enthusiasts will explore a veritable who’s who in Lutheran church music by exploring the heritage of music established by composers associated with the River Forest-based congregation.
A stunning choral setting “In Dulci Jubilo” by Paul Bunjes, noted musicologist, organ designer and composer of choral and liturgical music as well as head of the music department at Concordia University, will begin the program. Two compositions by Carl Schalk, hymn and choral works composer, titled “Lamentations of Jeremiah” and “Alleluia to Jesus,” will ring in with opposing styles, moods and content.
“Our vocalists specialize in a capella singing,” said director Paul Lindblad. “It’s a fragile form of chorale singing and an unusual one at that. We believe it holds strong as great artistry and a (celebratory) art form.”
Lindblad said that when selecting musical works, first and foremost he chooses pieces that will fit the voices of his singers.
“I also like to stretch and improve their performance techniques by providing challenging work,” he said. “In this case, some of the pieces were composed by members of Grace Lutheran with these vocalists and this performance specifically in mind.”
Paul Lindblad Choristers, a professional children’s choir, will join the Oak Park Concert Chorale for Richard Hillert’s “Prayers of Peace,” a set of choral pieces commissioned for both choirs and dedicated to the memory of Dr. Victor Hildner, Oak Park Concert Chorale founder.
Another highlight of the concert will be the music for choir, brass, timpani and organ during “Jesus Christ, the Lord of Joy” by Paul Bouman, minister of music emeritus, in honor of his many years as church musician and teacher at Grace Lutheran, and “Crown Him!” by Thomas Gieschen, a prominent choral conductor and former director of Concordia University’s Kapelle.
“The level of artistry and difficulty of the music is challenging for us as vocalists,” said Lauren Obrzut, alto singer, business manager and River Grove resident. “I'd really liken the whole experience to that of a team. We watch our coach, the director, who tells us with his hands what he wants us to do. We are constantly striving to achieve a level of performance we never thought possible.”
Obrzut described the pieces to be performed as creations by folks who are compositional giants in their own right. “These pieces are the work of people very influential among the local congregation and larger musical community as a whole,” she said. “And it’s an exciting honor to be able to perform the sacred works for an audience and honor the rich history of Grace Lutheran.”
Oak Park Concert Chorale’s “Composers of Grace” performance will take place May 4 at 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 W. Division, River Forest. Tickets are $15, or $10 seniors and students. For details on this performance, call (708) 383-4742.
Oak Park Concert Chorale will also host an upcoming benefit concert and international food festival on at 5 p.m. May 10 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 171 N. Cuyler Ave., Oak Park, featuring works based on themes of peace. Tickets for this performance cost $8 for adults, $20 per family and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets for this performance can be obtained by calling (708) 386-1188.