Agnus Dei brings encouragement to stage

Sabrina Kooistra
Times Junior Contributor

Miriam Ostermann Photo

 

For about 10 years, the Strathmore Community Choir and Orchestra, along with guest groups, have brought the Christmas story to the stages of Strathmore’s churches.
From Dec. 17-20, “Agnus Dei – Lamb of God Born to Us” was presented at Hope Community Covenant Church. Each evening was filled with the festive feeling of the season and brought people together from all denominations within our community.
This year’s performances were led by conductor Marvin Gill and theatrical director Paula Furfaro, and featured 45 members from Strathmore Inter-Faith Choir, 19 from the Orchestra, 10 Strathmore Children’s Choir members, five narrators, three dancers, and various children. Audience members were treated to an evening of spectacular music and encouraging words, which were refreshing at one of the most hectic times of the year.
The production began with an opening song by an eight-member ensemble supported by the greater choir, and throughout the show featured other solos and duets by various members of the community choir. The song selection was a delightful mix of classic arrangements such as Silent Night and What Child is This, with less common pieces such as Lux Venit and This is Love.
The narrators were also a significant component of the story as they told the story of Jesus’s birth, what lead up to the momentous birth, and the consequences this event had on humanity. Mary and Joseph were also represented, and were shown in moments of intimate wonder at their new child while their story was recited. The narrators were dispersed within the audience and assisted the dancers in leading the crowd in actions from one of the songs.
Each rendition was unique in its own right and received a standing ovation on the final performance.
It was a production for all ages, of all ages, and is a Christmas tradition that is expanding and strengthening with every progressive year.