Shesiuk leads Livonia Symphony in performance of "St Matthew's Passion" (05/02/04)

Shesiuk leads Livonia Symphony in performance of "St Matthew's Passion"

by Olga Solovey

NORTHVILLE, Mich. - The Livonia Symphony, under the baton of the outstanding Ukrainian conductor, Volodymyr Shesiuk, presented an abridged version of the magnificent oratorio, "St. Matthew's Passion," by Johann Sebastian Bach on Saturday, March 13, at Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Northville, Mich.

Maestro Shesiuk was instrumental in bringing together seven soloists, a double chorus of 140 voices, a children's choir from the Presbyterian Church, organ, harpsichord and orchestra for this monumental work. The choirs were from three different groups: Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Choir, Madonna University Chorale and the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Choir.

Seven soloists took part, including Jane Renas, Ruthann Wagner, Yvonne Walsh, Lisa Meyer, Ken Casey who sang the parts of the High Priest, Judas and Pilate; Dr. Theodore Jones as Jesus Christ; and James Moore as St. Matthew. The special violin solo was played by Solomia Soroka, concert mistress of the Livonia Symphony.

This is the second year that the LSO and the Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church have united forces in presenting a religious work during the Lenten Season. Dr. Carole Halmekangas, choir director and organist, commented: "As the choir studied the text and learned the notes, our respect for the music, and our anticipation of a wonderful performance, grew in proportion to the hours we spent learning and studying this great masterpiece. It was a delight to work with Maestro Shesiuk and the Livonia Symphony Orchestra."

Maestro Shesiuk and the Livonia Symphony have a long-standing relationship with Dr. David Wagner and the Madonna University Chorale, as they have collaborated on numerous concerts in the past. Dr. Wagner is a professor of music at Madonna University. He noted "Bach's 'Passion' is truly one of the masterworks of the Western musical canon, and to have the opportunity to sing under such a musical and sensitive director who is so concerned about creating a wonderful experience for both the audience and the participants is something I know the members of the Madonna University Chorale will never forget."

This is the first year that soloists and choir members from the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church participated with the LSO, along with Dr. Joanne Richards, music minister and harpsichordist. They were an important part of the ecumenical aspect of this presentation.

Maestro Shesiuk said he was touched by the cooperation, good will and enthusiasm of all the participants. He was deeply moved by this work, and observed: "It's not just choral music. It's soloists, Jesus, the high priests. It's beautiful. It's like an ancient Greek tragedy. They're telling a story. There is questioning and answering, commenting by the chorus. It's not only religious music. It's touching everybody because it's a human story, someone doing something for other people. God is for everyone."

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For further information or to learn about sponsorship of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, readers may contact board member Olga Solovey at (313) 274-6319; e-mail, [email protected]; fax, (734) 522-3820.

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