Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@cincinnatifusionensemble presented its fall 2024 Martin Memorial Program with an eclectic mix of contemporary choral works headlined by a guest conducting appearance by the legendary Mack Wilberg, director of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
With a program drawing primarily from the catalogs of Helvey and Wilberg, it was definitely one of the finest performances given by Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble in its 10 year history. Standout performances included a powerful and gorgeous new setting of Set Me As A Seal, which was written in memory of Sandy Thornton, a beloved figure in the Cincinnati choral community who succumbed to breast cancer last year (as well as my former high school choir director and a dear friend). In addition, Helvey’s setting of the Horatius Bonar text The Hour of Banquet and of Song was given a powerful performance full of emotional depth.
Wilberg’s turns at the podium were some of the most engaging choral conducting seen in Cincinnati this year. These included cheeky and stirring readings of three Scottish folk songs which were actually his first published works (including outstanding four-hand piano accompaniment by Howard Helvey and Brad Caldwell) and stirring and emotionally driven readings of the anthems It Is Well With My Soul and The Tree of Life. As a prolific composer, Wilberg showed extreme sensitivity and a guiding spirit to know exactly what he wanted from the choir, which is a true blessing.
The St. Ursula Vocal Ensemble, featured as a guest choir, should rank among the top tier high school women’s choirs in Cincinnati, and their talent was definitely something not to be missed, with wonderful readings of works by Michael John Trotta, Kathy Backherms and Andrea Ramsey. Guest organist Mitchell Miller (a Cincinnati native) thrilled the near capacity audience with performances of music by Charles-Marie Widor, Amy Beach and a new work by French organist-composer Valéry Aubertin. The final two numbers, settings of the George Herbert text The Call and the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, were fine examples of how powerful music can be and how much it can stay with you. Truly an unforgettable evening!