Madison Choral Society in Orange

By Hannah W. Wever

Published: May 1, 2008

On Friday, April 25, the Madison Choral Society performed their spring concert at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The Madison Choral Society is a large choir with members of all ages. The society is led by Martha Mikula; however, Judith Maxfield took her place on Friday night as guest conductor. Fay Utz is the society’s piano and organ accompanist.
The Madison Choral Society performed to a sizable audience on Friday night. Many people, young and old, enjoyed the voices of the society. This was definitely an event to be attended and a joy for every audience member to witness.
Entitled “A Celebration of Creation,” the concert consisted of carols, spirituals, and canticles. The concert began with several hymns featuring the solo quartet of Miriam Halsey, Bobbye Davies, David Miller and Brad Jackson. Hannah Wagner accompanied the Madison Choral Society on several pieces playing violin expertly.
The society performed an arrangement of “Amazing Grace” by Orange County’s own Bernice Walker. This classic hymn was transformed into a mysterious piece with its transposition into a minor scale and the use of a different tempo for each stanza. Theresa Klopp, the youngest member of the Madison Choral Society, performed a moving solo in “For the Beauty of the Earth.” The concert concluded with a number called “Dry Bones.” This selection was an upbeat song and brought everyone in the audience back to their youth as the choir sang “Foot Bone Connected to the Leg Bone…”, a song we all recognized and loved as a child. This selection was definitely a crowd favorite at this beautiful concert.
The Madison Choral Society performed an excellent concert on Friday night and entertained everyone who attended the concert. They are a truly talented group and a wonderful spectacle to see in action.
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