Dr. Henry Wolthuis
For The New Era
This year’s 14th annual Gala Autumn Festival of Music and Fine Arts could definitely be labeled as the “best yet.” The event was held Saturday, October 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The Gala Festival began 14 years ago to provide an opportunity for artists and musicians to share their talents. In opening remarks, John Wittwer said that it was a representation of excellence. He continued to say that by the world’s professional standards, we may still be a bit humble, but the program would represent the very best efforts of those who displayed or performed. The performances certainly did that and more. He shared a quote by Goethe who said, “Let not a day pass, if possible, without having heard some fine music, read a noble poem, or seen a beautiful picture.”
Artists filled the hall with new and spectacular art. Guests perused the art show for an hour prior to the concert, admiring oils and acrylics by Ann Bardell, Jane Hoffman, Elda Miller, Don Ross, Eileen Seleen, Peggy Snyder and Norma Johnson.
Photography was displayed by Tony Hayden, Rolf McEwen and Joan Wood.
Watercolors were presented by Ruth McCullough and Kelly Thorb. Alphonse Napoletano has, over the years, done many illustrations for national magazines. He shared several pieces of western pen and ink works.
Mixed and other media were shown by Fay Hart, Georgita Howard, Robert Wolchock, Barb and Lynn Rush and Vicky North. Eddie Bennett had several interesting pieces of metal art. A special thanks for organization of the show goes to Mollie Wolthuis, Beth Young and Anita Lewis.
The concert began with a choral prelude, “Home’s Bright Love,” presented by the Sweet Home Ward Choir, directed by John R. Wittwer and accompanied by Carmen Hall. William O. Lewis offered an invocation.
Like true grandparents, we were proud of Ryan Hall, 9, and Jared Hall, 11, who were the youth performers on the piano. Ryan played the Concertino in C (3rd movement) by Robert Vandall and his brother, Jared, followed with the Concertino in A minor (3rd movement) by Jean Williams. These young musicians came from American Fork, Utah for the evening’s performance.
The First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir, from Lebanon and directed by Nancy Kirkelie, shared a reverent performance. Handbell choirs are uncommon and this talented and experienced group was indeed a wonderful welcome. They performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” arranged by Ronald Kauffman and “Fantasy on an Early American Folk Hymn,” arranged by Douglas Wagner. The choir members hail from both Sweet Home and Lebanon.
John Evan, vocalist and repeat performer at the Gala, sang, “Come Again, Sweet Love,” by John Dowland, accompanied by John R. Wittwer. John is a young man of superb talent.
Carmen Wolthuis Hall performed Prelude Nos. 1 and 3 from Three Preludes by George Gerschwin. Carmen obtained her masters degree in piano performance from Brigham Young University and has her own piano studio in American Fork, Utah.
The Sweet Home Ward Choir sang “True to the Faith,” arranged by A. Laurence Lyon.
Thanks to Peter Butler for another spectacular performance, including the Aria, “Where’er You Walk,” from Semele by George Frederic Handel and “The Lost Chord,” by Arthur Sullivan. Peter is a professional baritone from New York musical fame and has taught in the Lebanon School District.
Jared and Ryan Hall performed two piano duets, “Rondo” by Anton Diabelli and “Fiddle Fancy” by Katherine Beard. This was followed by their mother, Carmen Wolthuis Hall, performing three Chopin numbers, Etudes Op. 10, no. 4, Etude Op. 10, no. 12, and Etude Op. 25, no. 1.
Peter Butler sang “Zuegnung” (To You) Op. 10, no. 1 by Richard Strauss, and concluded with his famous and stirring performance of “If I Were a Rich Man” by Harnick and Bock. The audience was captivated by his characterization of Tevia.
The Handbell Choir performed “The Gift of Grace,” arranged by Arnold Sherman and “Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace,” performed by Kevin McChesney. These numbers featured flautists Karen Bourgeois and Tinsa Schwietzer. These numbers were dedicated to the young men and women who are fighting and give their lives in wartime.
The concluding number was the Sweet Home Ward Choir which sang, “Father Cheer Our Souls Tonight,” text by Ellis Reynolds Shipp and music by Orlando Gibbons. The choir was led by John R. Wittwer and organ accompaniment by Henry B. Wolthuis.
Closing comments and benediction were offered by Father Damien of St. Helen’s Catholic Church. His brief remarks were based on the scriptural passage of Luke 17: 12-19, the story of the healing of the 10 lepers. Only one returned to give thanks, to whom the Savior inquired of the whereabouts of the other nine. With this lesson came expressions of gratitude of the talents that were shared and a blessing that would continue.
We express our sincere appreciation to all who participated. A special thanks also to The New Era for publicity and to the many who worked behind the scenes for the refreshments and homemade cookies. In the spirit of appreciation, the artists and musicians express their thanks for a wonderful audience, without which it would not have had such success.
Suggestions for future participants are always welcome and should be shared with Henry and Mollie Wolthuis and John Wittwer.
Best wishes to all until next year’s 15th Annual Gala Autumn Festival of Music and Fine Arts to be held in October.