The Schuylkill Choral Society and Anthracite Philharmonic, under the direction of Dr. Mark P. Thomas, perform "In Remembrance."
Originally published in the Pottsville Republican-Herald on March 28, 2022.
POTTSVILLE - Whenever the Schuylkill Choral Society tours Ireland, the Irish audiences have one request: “Please don’t play ‘Danny Boy.’”
Instead, they want to hear American gospel music.
During “In Remembrance,” Sunday’s concert at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, the choral society sang several gospel tunes, including “Amazing Grace” and, ironically, given Sunday’s weather, “Unclouded Day.”
However, the concert’s highlight was the performance of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, a work of furious serenity under the direction of Dr. Mark P. Thomas and with the intimate accompaniment of a chamber orchestra from the Anthracite Philharmonic.
“In Remembrance” was originally conceived to honor the memories of three former SCS presidents: Frank Reed, Joan Wassell and Beth Thomas-Resneck. Over time, its scope expanded to honor more than 200 people, including the friends and loved ones of the singers and departed choral society fans. The aisles at St. Patrick were lined with paper bags illuminated with electric candles. Each luminaria had a name written on it — parents, grandparents, children, siblings, spouses, friends.
When Fauré’s Requiem premiered in Paris in the late 19th century, the critics said it sounded like a lullaby. I must agree with their assessment. From the Requiem’s opening notes, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over me. Even the visual splendor of the sacred space melted away in the face of the glorious wall of divine sound. Unlike the often bombastic requiems of Mozart and Verdi, Fauré’s music does not inspire fear or sadness, but tranquility. The sharp bursting sound of the female voices perfectly intermingled with the solemn authority of the male ones. Soprano soloist Allie Wommer’s beautiful interpretation of the “Pie Jesu” was a highlight.
If the purpose of “In Remembrance” was to allow both the performers and the audience to reflect on the impact their deceased loved ones left, then the concert, and choice of music, were a smashing success.
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