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The Creation @ Fairmount Church 3/1 For the third year, three Heights area churches have joined together to present a major choral masterpiece, The Creation with soloists, orchestra and a chorus blending all three church choirs. This is a splendid new tradition which will hopefully be continued, especially as a portion of the proceeds benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network, an organization that supports homeless families with children by offering temporary food and shelter through a network of religious congregations.

This year's concert was also somewhat in tribute to the great composer Franz Joseph Haydn, who died 200 years ago this year. The participating churches are the First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, Fairmount Presbyterian Church and Plymouth Church UCC of Shaker Heights, and while First Baptist hosted the first two concerts, this time it was the turn of Fairmount Presbyterian. Former Director of Choruses and Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, the internationally acclaimed choral conductor Robert Page (another almost 82 year old conductor!) was in charge of the combined forces. He is amazing!

Haydn set his musical telling of the creation in seven sections: Days One through Six and the final portion of Adam and Eve in Eden''. Several soloists helped the story along, explaining the action of each day in song. (I loved the fact that music came in on day three!) Soprano Diane Julin Menges was the Archangel Gabriel, tenor Matt Rizer was the Archangel Uriel and bass Richard H. Anderson was the Archangel Raphael. Sharon Shaffer, soprano, sang Eve and Peter Bush, baritone, was Adam. (Mr. Anderson was a late substitute for Michael Perry, who could not attend.)

The orchestra, comprised of local professionals, opens the work with Representation of Chaos, and truly, out of chaos and discord (intentional, that is) came great beauty. As Raphael, Mr. Anderson sang In the Beginning with calm peacefulness using dynamics for emphasis throughout. The chorus joined in for Let There Be Light, and I’m surely not the only one who experienced goose-bumps at the word Light on a brilliant major chord. Mr. Rizer was more declamatory as Uriel, explaining the beginning of days and nights, etc.

As the Archangel Gabriel, Ms. Menges used her agile, crystalline voice to great advantage in describing the emergence of grass and trees and flowers and birds, etc. At times, the orchestra echoed the words, most especially in illustrating birdsong. The appropriately-named Sean Gabriel’s flute produced exquisite renditions of the larks and doves and nightingales mentioned in the text. In another section, when Raphael sings the Be Fruitful admonition, the strings played a gorgeous, lush accompaniment.

The addition of man and woman, described by Uriel, was truly lovely. Adam and Eve were appropriately happy and grateful for their existence, which was not yet invaded by serpents or apples.

Mr. Page was in total command throughout, never missing a beat or a cue, and obviously enjoyed his afternoon’s work. An extended standing ovation (with numerous shouts of Bravo!) showed the appreciation of the audience for the many talented performers—chorus, soloists and orchestra. And possibly also, a nod of thanks to Mr. Haydn.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
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