The Lakewood Area Choral Society is excited to announce its first
performance for 2023: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: A Sacred Choral Concert
which will be held Sunday, June 25, at 3:30 PM at First Baptist Church, 406
E Bridge St, Portland MI, 48875.
This concert features many new works, as well as old favorites. Now in it’s
38 th year of providing local audiences with high quality performances, LACS
owes its existence to Dr. Robert C. Oster, who, upon hearing a request for
an adult community choir, set out to do just that in January of 1986.
To appropriately set the mood, this sacred concert opens with “Lord, Here
Am I” by John Ness Beck. It is based on a poem by Fanny Crosby, in
which we offer our lives and services to God. “Softly and Tenderly,”
arranged by Joel Raney, continues the mood as the choir sings of Jesus
calling us home. The mood changes dramatically as the choir bursts forth
with praise in “The Omnipotence” by Franz Schubert, with soprano soloist,
Kristen Kennedy. “Ancient Words,” arranged by Craig Courtney, is a
hauntingly beautiful song that remind us that ancient words, ever true,
impart knowledge, and strength. Cindy Olson will be featured as assistant
conductor. His Masterpiece, commissioned as part of the choir’s 35th
anniversary, was written by Jill Gallina and tells how music is God’s
masterpiece.
During the freewill offering, offertory selections will be presented. “The
Song,” by Brenda Austin features the quartet, Cathie Ott, Carol Campbell,
John Myers, and Larry Ott. “O Divine Redeemer” by Charles Gounod, will
be sung by Cindy Olson and Mary Kuhlman. LACS pianist, Ethan Holmes,
will conclude the offertory with performing his own arrangement of “The
Sands of Time Are Sinking.”
The second half of the concert will open with the world premiere of “Make
Me a Blessing” arranged by Robert C. Oster, which encourages all people
to be a blessing to someone each day. “I Cannot Count the Stars” by
Eugene Butler features David Parker, violinist. The text by Michigan poet,
Gwen Frostic and read by Cathie Ott, LACS vice-president, reminds us of
all the beauty in nature and its great power to heal us.
The majestic “Hallelujah (from the Mount of Olives)” by Ludwig van
Beethoven is a triumphal hymn of joy, praising God’s “grace and glory.”
“Peace Like a River with Amazing Grace” is a traditional spiritual arranged
by Joel Raney that lifts the spirit as the choir sings of joy in the soul, with
Cindy Olson, again as assistant conductor. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” the
theme for this concert, is a familiar hymn, but as arranged by Dan Forrest,
it swells to a glorious conclusion. Rachel Pung, LACS alto, will sign the
song. Additionally, there will be two congregational hymns, one to start the
concert, and the second to conclude it. The concert is open to the public,
and the doors will open at 3:00. In lieu of tickets, a freewill offering will be
taken.