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he Power and Glory of God was certainly present at the Forest Lake Church on October 12, 2013. Music, being the vehicle of the evening, transported audience members and performers alike into heavenly realms. Choir, brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, piano, and organ all came together in thunderous melody and harmony. Summed up in the programs first reading, "Great music was conceived in the heart of God and He has bequeathed this sublime blessing to us to help us express the inexpressible about our creator and our redeemer."
The Glory
The evening program was structured into the three thematic sections, the first being The Glory of God and headlined with John Rutter's "Gloria." Singing the third movement, the choir, brass and organ delighted the audience with an energetic rendition of the piece under the direction of Mark Becker.
Mr. Becker then directed Forest Lake Academy's vocal group Cantabilé, along with Linda van Niekerk on organ, in a rendition of the piece "Glorious Everlasting."
Next up was the Men of Markham Woods under the direction of Russ Durham, performing an arrangement of "Praise Ye The Lord" by Saint-Saens, for men’s chorus.
This was followed by an original arrangement by Penelope Babienko of three hymns for brass, piano, and organ performed by Advent Brass, with Sabdiasep Rosado on piano and Linda van Niekerk on organ.
Finally, the first section of the program was capped by a magnificent organ solo performance by Linda van Niekerk, playing "Fantasy on Picardy" (Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent) by Denis Bédard.
The Majesty
The second section of the program, The Majesty of God, then began. Under the baton of Leon Hauck, the audience was treated to the hauntingly beautiful, stirring, and inspiring anthem "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name." This arrangement was fully orchestrated and was the first piece of the program to involve all the performers at one time. Building to the climax of the piece, choir melody blended with instrumental harmony and mixed together to give a massive and wide open view of the majesty of God.
From the powerful to the sublime, Albinoni's "Adagio in G Minor" followed. Featuring strings and organ, the contemplative tune captured the soulful, reverent nature of God in music.
This was followed by Restoration, a vocal octet. Premiering an original work by Aric Vyhmeister, the group continued the reverent feel of the Albinoni and then wove a musical fabric of changing color, ending with a joyous declaration to the God of creation.
Honor and Praise
The programs third section—Honor and Praise to God—and penultimate piece was performed by the Forest Lake Church choir under the direction of Dr. Evan Chesney. The choir performed "Eternal Life," a song based on John 3:16.
For the last piece of the evening, all the performers returned for the grand finale. The "Hallelujah Chorus," though written several hundred years ago, has lost none of its punch. The night of October 12 was no different. With an immense sound and heavenly energy, the full 121-voice choir and 41-piece orchestra came together in thunderous hallelujahs to end a night of glorious music, showcasing The Power and Glory of God.
Experience the Power and Glory of God. Watch to the full concert!
Meet the Directors
Mark Becker

Leon Hauck

Russ Durham

Evan Chesney

Meet the Performers
(In order of program appearance)
Victor Rivera, Concert Master

Cantabilé

The Men of Markham Woods

Advent Brass

Linda van Niekerk, Organ

Restoration

Forest Lake Church Sanctuary Choir

Our Guest Performers
The musicians of the October 12 program range from academy age to seasoned professionals. Some have traveled from long distances just for this program and others are from right here in Orlando. We are very thankful for each and every one of them for giving of their time and talents, that we might receive a musical blessing.