Sacred Voice Concert

Where the need is great, it’s the heart that eases the burden. Sacred Voice, an eight member a cappella choir, has been solely performing for fundraisers since their inception in 2001. They returned to St. John’s Lutheran Church on 48th and Nicollet to benefit TRUST Parish Nursing, offering a soothing concert during a Sunday afternoon (3/09) for about 50 people in attendance.

TRUST Parish Nursing provides home visiting, case management, health fairs, educational events, phone check-ins, Prayer Shawl Ministry, flu shot clinics in 12 congregations along with congregational care committees, youth ambassadors and over 45 parish nurse volunteers who offer over 1,000 hours of service answering questions and giving support and directions to those in need. This program gives comfort, a friendly voice and expert guidance. SJA parishioners Jean Jachman and Rita Olk serve as board members and Norine Larson serves as a staff grief counselor. To find out more about TRUST check out their website at www.trustinc.org.

Where there is charity & love, God is there

Back Row: Kirk Radke, Mark Anderson & Erik Gulsvig Front Row: June Bethke Petrie, Pete Newburg, Kristen Frost-Tibben, Jessica Bandelin & Linda Madson

Sacred Voice, who perform strictly a cappella, tend to change their lineup of singers every now and then but offer a professional sound of sacred music that’s eclectic, challenging and heart felt. Sacred Voice founder Tom Hale arranged their opening hymn “Psalm 66.” The seasoned veteran of Sacred Voice, soprano June Bethke Petrie commented about Sacred Voice’s steadfast mission to benefit programs in need. She congratulated the appreciative audience noting that the price of their ticket provides benefits. “Each of us takes an individual note. By coming to a concert you personally participate.”

Healey Willan’s “Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One” received a sweetly tender treatment and Peter Niedmann’s “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace,” a cohesively tight sound. The Richard Dinwiddle arrangement of “I Am Bound For the Kingdom” bounced with energy and an effectively light and airy quality delivered from the four men juxtaposed with a flexibly strong tone coming from the four women.

Tenor Mark Anderson introduced the section Four Motets Based on Gregorian Chant alluding to the sparse chant form written in 1960 from composer Maurice Duruflé while this octet shifted from a mixed lineup order to one of individual sections. The group started with “Ubi caritas” which offers the beautiful phrase “Where there is charity and love, God is there.” They followed with “Tota pulchra es,” with a slightly unsteady blend from sopranos here but quickly resurrected with the gorgeous layering of verses sung in rounds for “Tu Es Petrus.” The final motet “Tantum ego,” fell victim to some all too abundant lisping of the “s” consonant, but otherwise, a good performance.

A boisterous start for “At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners” worked effective use of dynamics as they nicely shifted through varying tones. René Clausen’s “Set Me a Seal” featured only the women showcasing the sturdy sound of altos Linda Nagel Madson and Kristen Frost-Tibben, both who command a comfortable sense of stage presence and eye contact with the audience. The best performed selection of the concert followed, Stephen Paulus’ “Pilgrim’s Hymn,” which featured Sacred Voice’s at their best with tight intonation and smooth blending of voices. They finished the first half of the concert with the uplifting Hali Johnson spiritual “Aint Got Time to Die,” a buoyantly fun arrangement. Bev Robinson from Bethlehem Lutheran Church and President of TRUST’s board then spoke about the TRUST Parish Nursing program and invited everyone to partake in a reception after the concert featuring baked goods from Upper Crust Fine Baking Company.

After a 20 minute intermission, the Shawn L. Kirchner arranged Kenyan folk song “Wana Baraka” opened the second half with three Sacred Voice members beginning—baritone singers Pete Newburg and Kirk Radke, and tenor Erik Gulsvig—alto Nagel Madson followed, soon joined by the remaining members. What wonderful layering from each section unfolded, each singer lively and committed. The men offered a sturdy treatment of the Brazeal Dennard arranged traditional spiritual “Steal Away.”

Bass Kirk Radke introduced composer Francis Poulenc’s “Vinea mea Electa,” a bitter lament with atonal harsh harmonies that were handled capably by the group. While the group visited Venezuela, alto Nagel Madson, the charismatic charmer of Sacred Voice, recalled tips they were given about performing Ernani Agular’s arrangement of “Ave Maria.” They were told to loosen up, it’s a contemporary hymn. So they did, and likewise on the wordy “Salmo 150” which followed with spit perfect diction.

John David Earnest’s “In Dreams” featured wondrous waves of dynamics and some articulately crisp singing from basses Newburg and Radke. Radke chatted some about music theory and how the bass section usually sings the root of the chord in most arrangements. Local celebrated composer Libby Larsen does not allow this, he chided. Larsen’s intricately complex arrangement “Is God, Our Endless Day” received a fine performance from this troupe.

The men led the way with the shaker tune “Followers of the Lamb,” arranged by Philip R. Dietterich. Alas, all sections held back from giving some justly deserved stealth and life here. Robert H.Young’s “A Psalm of Hope” and John Rutter’s “God Be In My Head” closed the 90 minute performance. A great surprise followed. For an encore, Sacred Voice put some real swing into the bouncy hymn “Who Will Be a Witness,” offering plenty of fluttery scoops to match an exuberant tempo.

Sacred Voice offers three more performances for the remainder of their 2008 season including an appearance right here at St. Joan’s. They’re worth checking out and your admission benefits some terrific causes. For more information check out their website at www.sacredvoice.org.

Michael Reinbold, SJA resident web reporter, freelances as a writer and does banquet catering at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice, low Christology and collaborative ministry, Michael also participates as a mass reader, SJA Choir member and Team Oz Red Ribbon rider. With an extensive background in theater, photography, fundraising, social activism and as an arts council panelist, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring social growth and witty exchanges.

Saturday, April 19 ~ 7:30 pm Free-will offering Location: Faith Lutheran Church, Staples, MN Benefit: Adolescent Health Issues

Friday, May 2 ~ 7:30 pm Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students & seniors Location: First Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights, MN Benefit: ARC Ecumenical Retreat Center, Cambridge, MN

Sunday, May 11 ~ 4:00 pm Free-will offering Location: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN Benefit: Third Way Network