Transylvanian audience shows appreciation

IMG_9742, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: Tuesday evening's concert was held in the Palace of Culture in Targu Mures, in the region of Transylvania. The pipe organ has more 4663 tubes.

By Denny Nutter
Received by Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. Pacific

Tuesday, April 21

Tuesday morning provided the first opportunity to sleep in a bit and an optional trip to downtown Targu Mures to visit cathedrals, monuments, and the beautiful plaza in front of the Cultural Palace where we were to sing tonight. (More about the Cultural Palace here.) After a trip back to the Apollo Hotel for rehearsal and lunch, we re-boarded the bus in concert attire and headed back to the Cultural Palace which is one of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls.

What an awesome place to sing! Tonight’s accompanists included Targu Mures’ Symphony Orchestra and brass, a harpist, and one of our Romania chorus brothers playing the pan pipes. Virginia Oliver was able to tickle the keys of the grand organ far better than the usual electronic keyboard or organ – the majestic Cultural Palace pipe organ! The Symphony Maestro was in attendance and seemed to greatly enjoy the program.

Poor Lou probably wondered what he had gotten himself into during the rehearsal immediately preceding the concert. We had fewer Romanian men with us, voices were wearing out, and a frustrating lack of attention, or faces buried in the music instead of watching the conductor. Zach Parks asked the Romanian Chorus member next to him if he was feeling OK and he replied that he was but that he was in prayer for the concert. I’m sure many of us were, at that point as well.

After some serious reminders of what a bunch of amateurs were attempting but privileged to do this evening, the Holy Spirit took over and blessed us with what perhaps has been the best concert to date. The crowd was very receptive and responsive as hearts were touched.

Probably the most memorable moment in the concert came when Lou Wildman gave his introduction to “Deep River,” talking about the dark period of slavery in America’s history and the spirituals that came out of that period. He explained that not only was this piece of music descriptive of the slaves’ longing for heaven but for freedom from bondage in this life as well. He told of watching thousands of Romanians pour out into their streets to reclaim their freedom some twenty years ago as he watched on TV. Many nodded their heads remembering that time. “Tonight,” he said, “not only am I proud to be an American, but I am proud to be in Romania, and I salute you.”

After a moving rendition of “Deep River,” the audience applauded and applauded and then began to rhythmically applaud signaling that they wanted more and our concert wasn’t even over yet!

“The Four Hymns of the Second Coming” was also very well received and brought more rhythmic clapping. After the usual recognitions, gifts, flowers, and expressions of appreciation; the concert ended with a rousing rendition of “Soldiers of the Captain” – the first verse in Romanian, second verse in English, and the third verse sung simultaneously in Romanian and English.

Thank you, Jesus, for not only blessing the audience tonight but both men’s choruses as well!