“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” was the title of the presentation given by the St. Augustine’s Chorale last Sunday evening. The stellar standard of its spirit-fill delivery attributed to yet another excellent for the performance.
The annual event which took place at the St. Augustine’s Church, in East End, brought together an appreciative audience, many of whom could not help but ascertain the fact that this was, by far, the Chorale’s most moving ministry, as year after year the performance becomes more and more enhanced.
The St. Augustine’s Chorale, backed up by the St. Augustine’s Orchestra, all under the tutorage and direction of music professor, Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, stages seasonal cantatas for Easter observances and Christmas celebrations each year. These cantatas are now in their 19th consecutive year.
Easter Sunday’s renditions, which were arranged by composer Bradley Knight, were met with the audience’s exuberant applause. Line after line, and song after song, nobly expressed the significance of Jesus’ death, His burial and His resurrection. The event, in its entirety, captivated the spell-bound attention of the listeners who sat in awe of the story of God’s love and redemption for human kind, portrayed in inspirational songs.
Led by Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, Bradley Knight’s contemporary arrangement of the song “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” brought out the message of the crucifixion through a traditional hymn, but with compelling style. And Danny Daniels’ writing of “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” was as splendidly delivered by Samara Gordon and Julian Daniel just as it was intended by its author to be performed. At the end of the concert, the entire Chorale sprang into a mode of jubilation with a grand finale of Andre Crouche’s “Soon and Very Soon”. This melodious performance spontaneously invited the audience to sing along and declare with enthusiasm the expectation of Christ’s return.
Speaking to the Director, Mr. Vanterpool, The Anguillian got a first-hand snippet of his feelings following the event. He noted: “I am very impressed by the group this evening. They did exceptionally well. It is the goal of the Chorale, each year, to be effective ministers of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. But first, we would want to minister to ourselves, and then we would want to tell the world what an awesome God we serve.”
When asked how long it took to practice for such a stunning concert, Mr. Vanterpool answered: “We started rehearsals back in February, but we had been interrupted by certain circumstances. Generally, we engage in practice three times a week. We also distribute copies of material so that the members can do their homework.”
When The Anguillian commented on the obvious addition of members to the group, Mr. Vanterpool remarked: “We have added members based upon the need to enhance particular sections of the chorale, as well as a means of succession planning, to some extent. However, at our current capacity, we do not intend to recruit anymore members in the short-term, unless there is a mass exodus of existing members which is most unlikely at this time.”
Finally, because the Chorale follows the music of Bradley Knight so often, Mr. Vanterpool was asked about the use of Knight’s musical works — whether Knight was the preferred arranger for the Chorale’s performances. He answered: “Bradley Knight is definitely a cut above the rest in orchestration. However, we have done some very effective renditions in this style by other arrangers, as well, including Tom Fettke and others. Still, everyone recognizes and pays attention when Bradley Knight’s work is on display. He is an exceptional and anointed arranger.”
The St. Augustine’s Chorale’s annual performance in ministry defies all limits to produce pristine quality music and singing that is second to none on the island of Anguilla. This top-notch gospel ensemble is a spectacular product of the hard work and dedication of its Director who meticulously crafts and polishes the skills of the Chorale’s members so that each event can mirror and surpass the likes of Easter Sunday’s magnificent concert.
A repeat of Easter’s concert will be held on Sunday, April 28th, at the St. Augustine’s Church at 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and savor the richness of great gospel music and singing.
– James R. Harrigan, Staff Reporter
