COLLABORATIVE CONCERT AN INCREDIBLE SUCCESS
First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach
January 9, 2022, Vero Beach – If you drove through the intersection of Indian River Boulevard and Royal Palm on the evenings of Friday, December 17, or Sunday, December 19, 2021, you might have seen two very full parking lots at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. What could be drawing such a crowd on these evenings, you ask? A major collaboration between incredibly talented musicians in two of the most well-received performances at the church to date, offered by the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, FPC Youth Symphonic Orchestra, and the Vero Beach Choral Society, all directed by Dr. Jacob Craig. The church staff was thrilled to bring out dozens of chairs to accommodate a record crowd of over 500 to the Sunday concert.
Ms. Jessica Russell, a new member of First Presbyterian Church, also happens to be the Associate Director of Bands at Vero Beach High School. She approached Dr. Craig a few months ago and offered her assistance with the church music department. He welcomed Ms. Russell and jumped at the opportunity to have another professional music educator as a volunteer. Her qualifications and years of experience led to the development of a Youth Winds and Percussion Ensemble sponsored by First Presbyterian. This ensemble meets weekly and has already received rave reviews from the community following their first performance on December 5th. Ms. Russel’s guidance has further advanced the youth instrumental music programs, and future plans include a Youth Jazz Ensemble and more.
For these performances, the award-winning FPC Youth Strings Orchestra was joined by members of the new Youth Winds and Percussion ensemble, along with key instructors and local professionals, to complete the FPC Youth Symphonic Orchestra. The talent and professionalism shown was simply awe-inspiring. The Chancel Choir was also joined by the Vero Beach Choral Society- Indian River County’s only auditioned-only choral ensemble. The combined groups worked diligently for months to cultivate this exquisite work, offered to the community for free.
As Dr. Jacob Craig took the podium for the final performance, there was a certain excitement felt throughout the sanctuary. Being one of the first large-scale performances to be held after the beginning of the current pandemic, it was obvious that this was something the audience had been anticipating for quite some time. Dr. Lucille Craig, member of the Chancel Choir, spent hours typing up pronunciations and translations for the mass, sung completely in Latin. The translations were projected onto the screen to enhance the audience experience. Soprano soloist, Danya Laverack, gave an enchanting vocal performance of the famous Panis Angelicus that left the audience spellbound, while Baritone John Toohey and Tenor Fred Kilgallin brought experienced energy and excitement through their solo work. The sound of the choir and orchestra filled the room like a blanket of tranquility, wrapping listeners in warmth and delight.
In the moment between the final note and the applause, the energy in the room was palpable. A mixture of anticipation, relief, and joy spread throughout the room as everyone quickly processed the amazing performance that they just witnessed. Quickly thereafter the crowd was on their feet with exuberant cheers and applause for the performers on stage. After the concert, Dr. Craig stood chatting with concertgoers and thanking them for coming. “The beauty of this work as a composition was augmented and enhanced by the incredible efforts put forth by our community”, he said. “I am deeply grateful to be part of such an amazing place, made so by those that are here.”
For more information, please contact Ginger Lagemann, Music and Arts Publicist, at (772) 562-9088 or ginger@firstpresvero.org.