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December 14, 2007 Cape Gazette

Sellout crowd enjoys Handel's 'Messiah' in Milton

By Lucienne Wolfe, Special to the Cape Gazette

       The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Delaware Choral Society collaborated to present a joint performance of Handel's "Messiah" Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Eagle's Nest Fellowship Church in Milton under the baton of symphony Music Director Julien Benichou. John Ranney, director of the choral society, rehearsed the chorale, and Benichou also directed several rehearsals of choir and orcestra.  

       As he came to the podium, Benichou was, as always, charismatic and warm but not as ebulient and engaging as usual. His team sensed he was somehat overwhelmed at the huge crowd filling the hall to capacity with people from the surrounding area who had come to attend the concert.

       Soon, under his baton, beautiful sounds rose from the stage for the best "Messiah" performance heard in a long time, executed by appromixately 20 musicians, 75 choristers and four highly acclaimed soloists. Matt Osifchin, baritone, and Alvaro Rodrigues, tenor, brought powerful and warm voices, and Jessica Renfro and Meghan McCall performed mellow and delightful renditions for a truly special performance. 

        McCall particularly delighted the audience. On stage, she paints a picture-perfect, lovely romantic portrait. Her radiant face exudes inner beauty and her voice carries the music effortlessly to the highest range, never shrill, in a totally rewarding experience for the listener. The soloists joined the chorus in a stunning, moving rendition of the "Alleluia" that resonated through the expansive hall, bringing the audience to its feet in a tribute to the vibrant, glorious celebration.

        Benichou led a perfectly blended, 100-participant musical team in a flawless Handel masterpiece, which audiences never tire of hearing, but always strive for the best performance. The very diversified people attending this concert surely were not disappointed, to judge by many glowing comments heard as they were leaving, after rewarding Maestro, musicians, choristers and soloists with a long, standing ovation. This was indeed a memorable performance, that will long be remembered and talked about.

April 28, 29, 2007

The Southern Delaware Choral Society presentation "The Civil War and Beyond" was a total gem of an offering - their best by a country mile. The concert was totally entrancing - a great mix of the very best. The choice of music was wonderful, the Civil War reenactor and military color guard a great and touching tribute to our military past and present, bagpiper Henry DeWitt of Rehoboth Beach and guitarist Jeffrey Van superb, and the Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band absolutely terrific. It was one of SDCS's finest moments. The choir was just marvelous under the leadership of gifted Music Director John Ranney. The talented local scholarship student soloists were a joy, as well as the extremely talented guest conductor and Lewes resident Roo Brown, who conducted her Folksong Suite. 

There aren't enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe the whole expereience. While Bach and Beethoven have their place, this was a performance with a much more broad and timely appeal. Kudos all around to all participants. It was absolutely superb! Bravo!

Patricia A. Boyer

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