The second weekend of December, Jubilee Orchestra successfully hosted the Christmas concert, "A Christmas Festival," at Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church, in God's grace and glorious presence. Jubilee Orchestra collaborated joyously with the Amadeo Philharmonic. Around forty musicians and five staff members gathered to prepare this event. The audience seated close to one hundred guests who came with eager hearts to listen to the beautiful music.
For the production of this concert, all praise to God for assembling a dedicated team of staff and musicians. Jubilee Orchestra manager and concertmaster Yoojin Cho, along with conductor Timothy Cho, devoted two months to recruiting the most skillful instrumentalists from around the city. Most string players were recruited from the Manhattan School of Music, while the woodwinds and brass players--the members of Amadeo Philharmonic--are close friends of the conductor. New music librarian, Zachary Hicks, spent up to fifty hours checking the orchestral scores and parts, making photocopies, and distributing the music to musicians. Even the church staff of Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church, brothers Theo and Herbert, poured out their energy to ensure Jubilee Orchestra had the best environment for its concert. All staff members united in one heart to host the highest quality concert for the sake of glorifying God's name.
Jubilee Orchestra and Amadeo Philharmonic held two rehearsals, 2.5 hours each, earlier that week. On the day of the concert, Jubilee Chorus from New York City also joined the dress rehearsal to perform "Joy to the World." Chorus members expressed amazement and gratitude to be part of a large-scale classical concert. Before the concert, musicians shared a joyful time of fellowship.
This year's Christmas concert presented the following program: "Carol of the Bells" arrangement for brass; "Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 8" by Arcangelo Corelli; "Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8 Winter" by Antonio Vivaldi; "The Nutcracker Suite" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky; "A Christmas Festival" by Leroy Anderson; and "Joy to the World," joined by Jubilee Chorus. The audience was filled with guests of all ages. The soloists captivated everyone's attention with high-level skills, and the familiar tunes from the Nutcracker Suite had the children listen in awe. Numerous audience members gave donations generously, for their hearts have been touched by the resounding melodies. Truly, as Daniel 3:15 exhorts, when God's people hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, they are ready to bow down and worship the image of God.
The preparation of the Christmas concert was not an easy task. Thanks to many members' ceaseless prayers and generous donations, the concert was executed smoothly and was full of God's grace. It was a harsh period of trials and hardship. But the Lord is our Shepherd and surely He guides us through the valley of the shadows. He is eternally faithful and merciful.
Praise be to God for the graceful concert through which He fully revealed His glory. May all the staff members and musicians involved receive abundant grace from serving the Lord as they continue to grow in fellowship of the Word, of the Spirit, and of music.
