I had the pleasure of attending the Lehigh Choral Group’s Fall Concert tonight at the Zoellner Center on the campus of Lehigh University. The interesting thing though is that there are two different groups. One that is made up of only choral students from LU. The other is the Choral Union, which is made up of anyone that wants to join. My mother-in-law’s brother (aka Uncle Joe) is in the Union group, as well as Joanna de Jesus-Fenicle, who is a sister of a fellow co-worker of mine, José de Jesus, Jr. Both groups are conducted and directed by Steven Sametz, who in the 130 year history of Lehigh Choral Arts, is only the 5th conductor. Quite impressive.
And impressive is a great way to describe the show. Both groups sounded fantastic, though some credit should be given to the hall itself. The acoustics are phenominal. The pieces that were performed where all of a spiritual nature, praising or recognizing the Creator. Not only Christian based songs, but Muslim, Hindu, and Vishnu as well.
The performances were enhanced by either ethnic dancers (on the Hindu and Vishnu songs), percussion and other instruments (which included sitar and three tabla players), or just actors playing out the parts. The highlight of the show was the final song. It detailed the Demon King and his desire to be worshipped over Lord Vishnu. When Vishnu appears to strike down the Demon King, and huge 40 foot puppet of him was hoisted over the audience in front. All of the extras, along with the wonderful voices, made for a spectacular show.
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