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15th Music for A Good Friday |
A fantastic Friday
Veronica Johnstone looks back on a hugely successful Good Friday celebration led by the Island Churches Guernsey Festival Chorus.
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Blind pianist Peter Jackson |
It was with eager anticipation that we entered St James on Friday 13th April for the Guernsey Festival Chorus' 'Music for a Good Friday' and we weren't disappointed. The hall was packed!
Good Friday is the day when we remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death by crucifixion in order that we as sinners, can be reconciled to God. It is followed by Easter Sunday and Jesus' resurrection from the dead.
The concert opened with Palm Sunday and Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. Peter Jackson, guest pianist and narrator, became the person of Simon Peter, describing not only what he saw, but how he felt. He told us how ' He (Jesus) asked him to fetch him a donkey and He rode into Jerusalem on it'. The choir sang and The Friendship Company, children's group, danced, sang and waved palm branches- what a trumphal entry into Jerusalem!
As the evening progressed, Peter and it was not Peter Jackson narrating, but the apostle Simon Peter, told us about Jesus turfing out the money changers in the temple and the preparations for the last supper, Jesus washing their feet and how he, Simon Peter would deny knowing Jesus. The account continued... they took swords as they went to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was arrested and Simon Peter did deny Him.
Peter Jackson's portrayal was so humble and moving that we lived it all with him. We felt all the pain and the guilt and the dashed hopes, Peter is a brilliant and gifted pianist and very sensitively accompanied his narration on the piano. The 100-strong Festival Chorus was wonderful under the very talented musical direction of Roy Sarre, who is to be congratulated for putting together such a thoughtful and well balanced programme. The choir sang many items with some members taking solo parts.
Jose Paine gave a spine-tingling performance, especially when just before the end, she sang ' The Exalted Jesus' which was particularly memorable. The four verses of 'When I survey the Wondrous Cross' interspersed throughout the concert, were beautifully sung by Ruth Smale and were a wonderful thread running through the evening. Anne Warren accompanied the choir on the piano and deserves a special mention and thanks.
The whol evening was dignified and moving. There was humility in the performers that touched the soul. It was perfect for a Good Friday.
This article written by Veronica Johnstone first appeared in the Guernsey Press and Star on Saturday 21 April 2001
See also the Press report