Salem's Sanctuary Choir joined together with a choir of similar size to present a sacred concert in both their sanctuary and in ours on Pentecost Sunday. Rob Skinnell, Minister of Music for Salem rehearsed us with careful attention to the decisions made between the two choir directors; we rehearsed together with Christ Lutheran once -- and it was a good thing that we did because we discovered that we were using different editions of Cantique de Jean Racine so Salem was able to make a change and sing their music.
Norm Perry, former member of Salem and a tenor in our choir who has moved and joined Christ Lutheran Church's Chancel Choir in West Covina, suggested this collaboration and because of his vision we were able to present this wonderful musical experience: Requiem by Gabriel Faure and several other works (including a composition by the Music Minister of Christ Lutheran, Hughes Huffman: Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God).
Christ Lutheran's sanctuary is panoramic -- wide but not deep -- so our choirs spread across a broad expanse in just a few rows with the orchestra in front. Our 3:30 afternoon concert was directed by Hughes Huffman at Christ in West Covina (and Rob and Jay -- Salem's director and organist -- joined the choir).
Hughes Huffman acknowledges applause in the afternoon concert
at Christ Lutheran Church in West Covina
We drove to Salem and feasted on delicious salads, thanks to Carol Anderson and her family, and then performed our sacred concert in Salem's Sanctuary at 7:30 pm.
