A Festival of Hymns: The Writers Tell Their Stories by Hal Hopson, performed at Potsdam First Presbyterian Church

(04/18/04) This unique service features significant hymn writers through the ages, from the fourth century through the twentieth century, telling their own stories in the first person. Following each short monologue is a hymn-anthem for choir, congregation, organ, brass, piano and handbells. This concert was given as a benefit for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Readings and hymns:
Traveling Pilgrim (Rev. Dr. D. Richard Will) Opening Prayer and Introduction
Bishop Ambrose (Petr Zuman) Of the Father's Love Begotten c. 400
Martin Luther (Ken Visser) A Mighty Fortress is our God, 1529
John Calvin (Stub Esty) Clap Your Hands! 1541 (Soloists: Cynthia Coleman and Richard Will)
Isaac Watts (Martin Walker) O God, Our Help in Ages Past 1719 (Soloists: Renata Hewitson and Claire Woodcock)
Charles Wesley (Steve Williams) O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing 1738
Catherine Winkworth (Debbie Shipp) Now Thank We All Our God 1858
Robert Lowry (Richard Hutchinson) Shall We Gather at the River (Soloist: Tammy Madeja)
Fanny Crosby (Linda Caamaño) Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine! 1873 (Soloist: Jim Whittet)
John Wesley Work (Jules Ngambo) Guide My Feet African-American Spiritual
Roberto Escamilla (Victor Caamaño) When We are Living (Pues Si Vivimos) 1983
Sidney Carter (Don Borsh) Lord of the Dance 1963 (Soloist Victor Caamaño)
Traveling Pilgrim (Rev. Dr. D. Richard Will) Blessing and Benediction

Performers:
Brass Quintet: Nick DeZillano, trumpet I; Greg Jerome, trumpet II; Nick Hartman, horn in F; Mark Hartman, trombone; Charles Guy, tuba
Handbells: Sue Theisen, Brenda Gravender, Ruth Kreuzer
Piano: Julie Miller
Organ: Laura Toland
Chimes: Adrienne Hartman, Cynthia Coleman
Tambourine: Eleanor Hopke
Conductors: Kickie Britt, Tammy Madeja, Laura Toland
And:
other members of the choir of Potsdam First Presbyterian Church along with enthusiastic voices from the pews

This performance from the UpNorth Concert Hall was recorded live at the First Presbyterian Church, Potsdam NY, April 18, 2004. It may not be used for any commercial purpose, nor may any fee be charged to access or listen to this material.