The Village Voices 20th anniversary concert Monday had something old and something new – to go along with a sense of continuity and community.
“The best part of this anniversary is that we get to share with you,” Conductor John T. Lowe Jr. told the near-capacity audience at North Lake Presbyterian Church. “This truly is a celebration and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
The 130-member chorus was in splendid form throughout the evening and started with a rousing “Salute to the Armed Forces.” That was followed by a moving accapella version of the National Anthem.
It wouldn’t be Village Voices concert without the song “Hi Neighbor” and the choral group carried on the old tradition by singing that song.
“The chorus sang that song during its first concert 20 years ago,” said Lisa L. Sullivan, who narrated the program. “Back then, people were coming to The Villages from all over the country. That song was a way to welcome them.”
The highlight of the concert was the debut “High Flight,” a number commissioned especially for The Villages Voices 20th anniversary. It was arranged by David Brunner and the chorus and accompanist Sean Pollack brought meaning and emotion to the song.
“This is a world premiere,” Lowe said. “David Brunner can’t be here tonight but he is a big part of this anniversary.”
Lowe told how the words to the poem “High Flight” became known throughout the world when President Reagan gave a speech about the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986.
Brunner’s musical arrangement –along The Villages Voices’ spiritual-like vocal –enhanced the solemn and powerful message of the poem, which ends with this line: “Put out my hand and touched the face of God.”
“Once we sing this song, it will be available all over the world,” Lowe said. “This is a new song, but it continues our musical tradition.”
Other memorable moments of the concert came with George Wood’s solo on “Steal Away.” Rhonda Heller took center stage for a solo on “If I Can Help Somebody” and Marty Butler brought life to an uplifting “I Got A Robe.”
Also singing spirituals were Howard Wood and Donna Davidson who combined for “Ev’ry Time I Fell the Spirit” and John Rogerson who sang “Deep River.”
