GALION — Sunday marked a poignant 64th anniversary presentation of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah by the Galion Community Chorus at First United Church of Christ of Galion.
Conductor John Sikora has been the director for the past 25 years, and it was announced at the beginning that it was to be Sikora’s last as conductor of the Chorus, causing an audible murmur of sadness from the audience.
Sikora, a former professional operatic singer and assistant professor of music himself, brought during his tenure as conductor improvements to the presentation, including helping start a string-based orchestra and bringing a more authentic sound with the inclusion of a harpsichord.
“It’s been a great run,” Sikora said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but it’s something that needs to be handed down to someone new, so they can enjoy it.
“I strongly urge parents and grandparents to get their children involved in something other than sports. Music will expand their horizons and will help them to learn and it’s a very, very rewarding experience to be able to participate in something like this.”
Sikora added that to be involved in the chorus would “give them a closer relationship with the Word of God, and I think our young people need that.”
Marcia Burkhart, along with her husband Ron, has been a member of GCC for a number of years. She said that it was bittersweet performing in Sunday’s Messiah due to the friendship they’ve developed with Sikora, and the level that he’s taken it to over the years.
“He taught everyone how to sing correctly and they’ve then taken that back to their own church choirs. There were a lot of tears when it was over,” Burkhart said.
She added that it’s clear that Sikora has done it not just for the love of the music, but for the message of the Messiah.
Indeed, Sikora’s last presentation was not without some memorable moments. Due to a citywide power outage, the performance began with only candlelight and the sun coming through the stained glass windows. Burkhart said it was stirring when “the power came on just as the bass soloist began singing ‘The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light…’ This was followed by thunder and a hail storm during the crucifixion section in ‘Worthy is the Lamb.'”
Burkhart said the search for a replacement conductor is just beginning. She added it will have to be a high caliber candidate to continue the level that it has been brought to.
The program stated, “Few communities, regardless of size, have a community chorus, and fewer still have reached a record for continuous performances of such a majestic piece.”
Burkhart agreed.
“It’s named the Galion Community Chorus, but many of the members come together from communities across north central Ohio,” Burkhart said. “I believe the Galion Community Chorus is the area’s best kept secret of a quality presentation.”
The program will be broadcast on Christmas day at 9 a.m. on 1540 AM/107.5 FM WBCO and Q92.7 WQEL and WQEL.com and again at 6 p.m. on WQEL.