MTC #237 - Pioneer Day Concert '18 (Reinvent & Recognize)

 
I was skeptical, at first. 

I was skeptical that this 2018 Pioneer Day Concert could be as good or as great as the other concerts we've been a part of.

Perhaps my skepticism came from the number of songs the Choir was performing (fewer than usual); or the songs themselves which we've sung many, many times; or maybe even the less-than-usual number of pieces that the guest artists and the Choir sing together. Whatever the reasons, a few things really helped me (any maybe some others) come to enjoy and appreciate this concert much more that I originally thought I would.

First, the beloved songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein that we've sung a lot over the years are beloved because of their fun melodies, their brilliant composition and lyrics, and the relatable and lovable stories they tell. These songs have stood the test of time and if I ever find myself becoming tired of singing them, then it's up to me to reinvent and recognize their greatness. So I did! And doing that, made all the difference.

Second, although I missed not having more of the songs be collaborative with the guest artists, I simply let that go and found a lot of enjoyment in watching Matthew Morrison and Laura Michelle Kelly enchant us with the beautiful songs they sung and the characters they portrayed. What talented individuals they are.

And along with being great singers, they were very thankful for this opportunity and gave the choir and orchestra a lot of very nice compliments.

Third, the magical energy of concerts in general, the feedback from the crowd, and the excitement of our first-year members (since this was their first concert) all combined to really make this a meaningful and enjoyable event. 

I must mention some thank-you's. Thanks to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy for working so hard to put it all together (along with the team of individuals who assisted). Thanks to the wonderful orchestra that had a lot of music to learn and played so beautifully. Thanks to my fellow basses who knew the songs well and were a pleasure to sing with. Thanks to those choir members and friends I got to converse with and who helped me come to the important need to reinvent & recognize. And thanks to Laura and Matthew for agreeing to come and share their talents with so many. 

I think the only sad thing about the concert was that it was Ryan Withers' last one. (see my last blog post) Through the course of the two evenings, I, along with many who love Ryan, took pictures, gave hugs, and signed his hymnbook (see last pic below). I will miss him.

And with that, it's on to a fairly normal (or should I say "abnormal") choir schedule for August--which, without a doubt, everyone will enjoy.

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: I always mention this as a highlight when we have guest artists, but today after Music & the Spoken Word, we sang "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again", to Laura and Matthew, and they seemed to absorb every word. It was a neat experience.