Oak Crest Village Chorus Makes a Joyful Noise

The primal nature of music sometimes slips from our consciousness. In fact, music is a necessary part of our lives from the cradle to the grave. We all have a soundtrack—this trait is not even exclusive to humans, as male humpback whales communicate through an intricate symphony of songs.

The evolutionary necessity of music was reinforced for me last Friday night, when I attended the Spring Concert at the Chapel on the campus of Oak Crest Village. Both the chorus and chorale performed, as well as featured soloists. I was invited by a friend of mine from work, who is a soprano in the chorus. 

Not knowing what to expect, I was more that pleasantly surprised by the hour-plus concert. An eclectic and ambitious collection of songs were performed by the ensemble of 35 seniors, under the direction of OCV chorus director, Sallie Horner. Horner is a graduate of the esteemed Peabody Institute.

The group was accompanied on organ and piano by her husband Bruce Horner. Also accompanying the group on several songs was accomplished flutist Maureen Gould. Gould also plays with the Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra and is a resident of Perry Hall. 

The program began with some traditional and contemporary liturgical pieces, including the “Alleluia Fanfare” by Rentz , “Sanctus” by Schubert, Panis Angleicus by Lambiolotte, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, and “I am that Great and Fiery Force” by Gascho. The audience was asked to participate in the “Tallas Canon,” which started as a simple sing-along, before turning into an exuberant round. 

Dr. Todd Siwinski, with his melodic tenor voice, gave an emotional interpretation of “When I Have Sung My Songs.” This song is a bittersweet love song implying that when the singer’s partner has passed from this earth and he will sing his songs to no other. Siwinski performed the song with such heart-felt emotion that it struck a chord within every heart that had ever known love. 

The program then became energetic as the traditional hymn, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” was performed to a faster, contemporary beat. It was funky and fun. The tenors and basses were then featured on a lively version of “Joshua Fit the Battle.”

In introducing the next song, a traditional gospel song, Horner reminded us that it has been sung, among others, by Paul Robeson, Bruce Springsteen and Arlo Guthrie. It was an enthusiastic and joyful version of “Jacob’s Ladder,” sung by three lovely ladies: Audrey Bengston, June Earles, and Evelyn Pohl. The last time I saw this song performed was in Madison Square Garden during Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday. This song was sung by Joan Baez at that event. I daresay, these ladies performed with as much zeal as Baez and were nearly bursting with joy. 

Next was a bit of whimsy as several Mother Goose nursery rhymes were arranged as madrigals and performed with gusto. The next to the last piece was a traditional hymn by English composer John Rutter, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”

The triumphant closer was a Caribbean-flavored arrangement of “Halle, Halle, Halle” with the full chorus accompanied by Lucille D’Onofrio, Anna Gallagher and Dee Monostori on percussion, which prompted spontaneous hand clapping among audience members. 

The performance brought to mind Psalms 98 of the King James Version of the Bible: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”

These joyful seniors in the twilight of their lives indeed did just that.