The Great Auditorium by a Blogfinger staff photographer. June, 2018.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor@Blogfinger.net
It took almost as long to perform the Messiah (2 1/2 hours) as it did for George Frideric Handel to write it (24 days.) But the large crowd present was enthralled, and the piece is so beautiful and well done, that the time was not an issue. Of course, these days people stay standing for a 3 hour Springsteen concert, so 2 1/2 hours for this Handel event is quite acceptable.
Dr Jason Tramm created a masterpiece as he put together this Messiah under difficult and complicated circumstances. He was conducting choral rehearsals practically until the performance began. Many singers in the Great Auditorium Choir were quite familiar with the work, having their scores all marked up like ancient sheet music from prior performances, but others came through despite not being so familiar with the difficult score. The Choir was wonderful in their white uniforms.
All the participants were brilliant including the soloists and the marvelous MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra. The instrumentation was interesting as there were hardly any brass except two trumpets (one soloist and one with a long horn—anybody know about that?) The trumpet soloist JoAnn Lamolino was fabulous for her part late in the piece.; her tone was gorgeous. And there were several woodwinds: two oboes and one bassoon; no mention of a flute, and I didn’t see one.
I’m always interested in the orchestra, and I couldn’t help but notice two of the main first chairs were occupied by women: the concertmaster—-Susan Heerema)–violinist, and the principal cellist Molly Aronson. In fact, about half of the ensemble were women.
There were no tubas or euphoniums, but the bass line was thrilling as provided by two standup bass players. One timpanist came on board in the second half of the concert.
And of course, Gordon Turk, on the Hope-Jones organ, was spectacular throughout the entire piece. What an amazing instrument that is, especially in his hands (and feet.)
The soloists were superb. There was Mister Incredible–Ronald Naldi (tenor), Monica Ziglar whose soprano voice was just lovely, Emily Geller with her mesmerizing low pitched mezzo voice, and the baritone-bass Justin Beck who did the heavy lifting with those low notes.
And lets not forget the Great Auditorium with its world famous acoustics. There was only one interruption, and that is when two brief fireworks displays happened due to a big rock and roll event at the Stone Pony–but Jason Tramm just kept going, even though his orchestra did not contain a single shrieking, ear busting electric guitar. While the Handel continued, we could all see the display through the open doors. Also we could hear a helicopter flying low overhead–probably doing aerial videos, but not of the GA.
And a round of applause for the Camp Meeting Association for providing such concerts. Amazingly, this one was free—an unbelievable offering for the 150th anniversary of Ocean Grove. Where in America could one find an event like this, especially in a small town like ours?
After a standing ovation, the crowd filed out, crossing the street to the Pavilion where the Auxiliary offered soft drinks and cookies. Hooray for them, providing a sugary reward to the audience which just sat through the Messiah.
And it’s good Blogfinger is ending this review, because we have emptied our bag of adjectives.
Refreshments in the Auditorium Pavilion. Blogfinger photo. Click to enlarge.
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