April 10, 2009

The final words of Jesus Christ

Last words of Jesus Christ to be focus of program

By KATHY KIRBY
kkirby@muncie.gannett.com

Soloists will portray Jesus Christ.

A chorus will characterize the crowd at the base of his cross moments before his death.

"It is almost a dialogue between the soloists and the chorus," said Ross Van Ness of the sacred cantata, The Seven Last Words of Christ, by Theodore Dubois.

First presented in Paris in 1867 by its composer, the oratorio will be presented at noon today during the Communitywide Good Friday Service in First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W. Riverside Ave.

The public is invited to the annual interdenominational event. Freewill donations will be accepted for Christian Ministries of Delaware County, the coordinator of the event.

The cantata contains Jesus' last utterances, or statements, according to various gospels, said Van Ness, longtime chairman of the event and professor emeritus of continuing education at Ball State University.

"It's a musical masterpiece," he said. "It's very appropriate for Good Friday. This service was turned into a musical event six years ago."

The Communitywide Good Friday Service has been conducted for about 30 years, according to Van Ness. In the past five years, it has been at First Presbyterian Church and High Street United Methodist Church.

"You need an excellent pipe organ for these musical works," he said.

Van Ness will be singing with the Community Good Friday Chorus, which has 35 members from various local churches. The choir has more than doubled in number the past five years.

Leonard Atherton, professor of music performance at Ball State, will be the conductor.

Soloists will be Fritz Robertson, tenor; Craig Priebe, baritone, and Karri York, soprano. Kirby Koriath of First Presbyterian Church will be the organist.

Because of the downturn of the economy, the community service has special significance this year, Van Ness said.

"Many people are deepening their spiritual faith in these difficult times," he said. "Beautiful music is a good way for them to do it."

Becki Clock, executive director of Christian Ministries of Delaware County, agreed.

"So many people are suffering, but there are so many people in support of their needs," she said. "People want to step up and join hands. There is something about the sense of communion and community when you get together -- it melts away the differences."