Pictured: Soprano Abigail Beerwart performs with the Columbus Philharmonic in “Joyful Holidays.”
Photo provided by Tim Miller
The starlit stage backdrop at Judson Erne Auditorium on Saturday served as a fitting representation of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s “Joyful Holidays” program which featured local musical stars, past, present, and future. The stage was beautifully adorned with a large wreath and included an antique-style display of Victorian figures, reindeer and nutcrackers, courtesy of Ann King-Cox of Folger’s Four Seasons.
Santa Claus entered the stage to introduce the person he called “my favorite elf,” David Bowden, the Philharmonic’s longtime artistic director. Bowden then led the orchestra in a beautiful rendition of the classic “Sleigh Ride.” The percussion section featured prominently, providing sleigh bells and sonic elements that allowed the listener to experience the snowy ride. The brass section carried the melody while the strings danced above them. The woodwinds provided a lovely contrast as the orchestra’s performance set the tone for the evening’s program. Bowden conducted the piece with his trademark fluidity and precision. Musicians in other styles refer to “the pocket,” that place where the music just feels right, and the CIP’s pocket throughout the evening was deep.
The second orchestral selection was an arrangement of “Russian Christmas Music.” Taken at a tempo that allowed the music to develop and unfold, the stately themes revealed themselves as each section of the Philharmonic had an opportunity to shine. The double reeds were particularly beautiful in this piece while the tympani reinforced the “Russian” character of the arrangement.
The featured vocalist, soprano Abigail Beerwart, is a Columbus native who is pursuing her master’s degree in opera performance at the University of Maryland. Beerwart, who last performed with the orchestra at the 2019 SALUTE! concert, brings an assured presence to the stage with a vocal instrument that justifies her confidence. She demonstrated the breadth of her ability by tackling a varied program that spanned popular holiday selections and classical pieces.
Her first number with the orchestra, “Silver Bells,” began as a seemingly typical pop rendition of the familiar song, but then moved into a section where her wordless vocals became another beautiful instrument that intertwined with the horns, strings, and percussion. This vocal interplay continued in the next selection, “Et Incarnatus Est from Mass in C Minor” by Mozart.
The simple lyrical message “Christ is born” provided the vehicle for Beerwart’s voice to take its place among the other instruments. The piano, flute, reeds, and strings beautifully framed her vocal performance. The sound was equal parts delicate and powerful.
The orchestra again took center stage, first with a lovely version of J. S. Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” The harp was particularly effective in this rendition. The musicians then shifted to a swinging big band style arrangement called “Frosty All the Way,” complete with “walking bass” lines from the double basses and an improvised trombone solo courtesy of Kyle Malesevich.
At the conclusion of the piece, Bowden stated, “That was fun” and the reaction of the audience indicated that they agreed.
Bowden then introduced the next guest vocalist by paying tribute to the legacy of the local Brown family and their scholarship support for young musicians. The 2020 Winner of Anna Newell Brown Awards for Vocal Excellence, Grant Jackson, joined the orchestra for the selection “Panis Angelicus.” The first half of the selection featured his rich baritone, and then he was joined by Beerwart to duet during the second half.
Following the brief intermission, principal clarinetist Samantha Johnson-Helms featured prominently in “Celebrate Hanukkah,” a Klezmer flavored work by Adam Shugar. Johnson-Helms’ tone was rich and full, with bends and trills that brought the music to life. It was particularly effective when she traded phrases with the violins. There was a celebratory air to the music, while still retaining a hint of melancholy. The theme continued as Abigail Beerwart again took the stage to sing “Hanukkah Medley” by Lucas Richman. Abigail worked with an Israeli friend who coached her on the pronunciation of the Hebrew lyrics. Her preparation paid off, as she delivered this difficult work with apparent ease.
“White Christmas” began a section of the concert that featured combined choirs including the Columbus Children’s Choir under the direction of Melissa Garcia. There was a seamless blending of voices, a tapestry that was made even more rich by the diversity of ages represented by the multi-generation ensemble. The song “All Is Well,” was a particularly effective use of the combined voices, as it shifted from soloist to children to full choir. It was often difficult to discern where the instruments ended, and the voices began. Stunning.
Legendary and recently retired choir director Ruth Dwyer came to the stage to lead the vocalists for “Sound the Trumpet” and then in her arrangement of “O Come Little Children.” The show then transitioned from a legend to a future star, as student and soprano Molly Hotek delivered the Spanish language “Bendecid sun ombre from Jubilant Deo” by Dan Forrest. Her lovely performance was a reminder that the future of the arts in Columbus is in good hands, if we, as a community, continue to provide the resources to nurture and sustain such amazing talent.
The concert concluded with a holiday singalong culminating in a reverent version of “Silent Night.” Theater manager John Johnson’s lighting was especially effective. A final thrill was the singing of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah,” the inclusion of which was a special request from Ruth Dwyer.
The Joyful Holidays concert certainly lived up to its title.
Dan Mustard is a longtime singer, musician and guitar craftsman who has performed all over the country and at a myriad of local events with his wife Linda.
