For the second time in two years, the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra performed at Maternity BVM Parish, transforming the historic church into a spectacular concert venue.
Artistic Director Sean Paul Mills conducts the trio, which includes Stephanie Lupo, right.
The Baroque Christmas concert took place Sunday and was directed by the orchestra’s Artistic Director and Conductor, Sean Paul Mills. Selections included works by Bach, Vivaldi, Haydn, and Handel. Patrons who came early heard the parish’s hand bell choir perform, led by Music Director Chris Lord.
“It was outstanding,” Lord said. “It was such a blessing to fill our church with such beautiful music.”
Conductor Mills has been leading the orchestra for a little over a year. Typically, they perform at Olivet Nazarene University, but to be able to perform these Baroque-era works, in the type of space where they premiered, was special, he said.
“It was simply a perfect fit to find a church with not only history in the community but also a history of its support for music,” Mills said.
Several of the parish’s choir members participated in the chorus of 50 voices, including Lord and Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, a deacon at the parish. Standing on risers behind the orchestra, their choral selections included Vivaldi’s Gloria in D Major as well as selections from Handel’s Messiah.
“The fact that the concert was in our church was very special because the place is beautiful and the environment is very welcoming. People from different Christian denominations all enjoyed the beauty of music and arts together, which was great,” Br. Jhobany said. “For me, It’s been over 20 years since the last time I sang with a symphonic orchestra and that was quite an experience. This was a different audience, a different language and a different reality of being one of two only Latino singers.”
They rehearsed in the church on Friday night. Here’s a sample of the music they made:
Audience members recognized musicians in the orchestra, including former parishioner, Chet Lord-Remmert, who played cello and Clara Capriotti on flute, as well as Rebekah Cope who played violin, Eric Penrod and Gene Arnold on trumpet and Bob Hauser, who played cello. Many of these musicians play at weddings at the parish..
Music Director Chris Lord, right, with Stephanie Lupo
In addition, Stephanie Lupo was a featured performer on flute in a trio that performed. She plays her flute regularly at parish liturgies.
This was the second time the orchestra performed at Maternity. in 2022 the orchestra helped launch the yearlong celebration of 175th anniversary of the parish, with a special performance.
“I believe that a community that values performing arts, adds to the beauty of worship in the community,” Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, Pastor, said. “Truly, Maternity BVM has a love of good music and liturgy.”