Critic-based review

I’ve never encountered anything quite like The Courage to Care, – the program presented by Bruce Vantine’s Cornerstone Chorale & Brass.

This program assumes a unique form in which Mr. Vantine attempts to carry out his stated mission [to encourage individuals] to use time, talents and resources to minister to our brothers and sisters in need.

The diction of the narrators and singers was exemplary. Their fine diction was not the only way in which the Chorale excelled. Throughout the program they sang with beautiful sound, excellent intonation, and sincerity of intention. The several solos performed by chorus members were well executed.

Standing front and center, attractively clad in red, black and white, and singing everything by memory, they [the choir members] were the stars of the show. Equally skilled was the brass quintet.

During one of the more poignant moments…we were treated to a performance of one of music’s most beautiful pieces: the Adagio from Beethoven’s Sonata No. 8 — the “Pathetique” [performed by Kay Hoffland, pianist]. Here Mr. Vantine’s message seemed to be that during times of greatest emotion, when words fail, music speaks…

The audience loved [the program], as they demonstrated with a standing ovation at the end.”

The Cornerstone Chorale & Brass is a top-notch ensemble with a high level
of musicianship. Vantine’s 22 singers are superb, worthy of any studio.
The choir demonstrates a fine blend of vocal quality with dead-center pitch
and rhythmic precision most vocal ensembles would kill for. The brass
quintet is crisp, carefully balanced both within itself and with the chorus.

The evening provided a message of great importance.

The Cornerstone Chorale and Brass visited Santa Fe November 1st on their
grueling 23-stop Southwest tour. Those who hold the Desert Chorale in high
esteem would have treasured this truly gifted ensemble. It was one of the
best mixed choirs I’ve heard, and a major event.

There were 24 enthusiastic singers with astonishing clarity and technique
and exciting dynamics. All the solo voices showed unique beautiful tone
quality and superb musicality and musicianship. The brass ensemble was
very solid, tastefully and technically proficient, with a very satisfying,
first-rate sound. The inspiring conductor and Cornerstone founder
Bruce Vantine must be credited.

This ensemble is drawn nationally from the creme de la creme. All
participants have many impressive credits. What a pleasure to hear such
a wonderful sound produced with such freedom and yet with such control.

The repertoire was all of a spiritual, uplifting nature woven artfully
together with three very fine, rich-voiced narrators excellent in their
field.

All the works presented were very warm and appealing. Those who attended
really got their money’s worth. Those who did not missed some interesting,
very rich, in-depth and energetic music making. I was amazed that the
Chorale sang the generous program from memory.

I was told that the group would be back in the not too distant future.
Don’t miss them!

Last Sunday afternoon at Christ Presbyterian Church, The Cornerstone Chorale &
Brass under the direction of Bruce Vantine from St. Louis, offered a program of
readings and music called Beside the Still Waters.

Vantine recruits the professional singers and instrumentalists by audition from
around the country and writes and produces the 90-minute program that talks
about Judeo-Christian principles of living through the medium of words and
music. The Metro-Toledo Churches United sponsored the visit. The idea is
intriguing, a sort of traveling Festival of Lessons and Carols without the
Christmas focus and incorporating readings from poets, authors, philosophers,
modern politicians, and of course, scripture.

The musical selections were varied and arresting, and the 24-voice choir was
immaculately chosen for clarity of individual voices and a good blend. They
sang in tune and with conviction. The use of brass, percussion and flute for
dramatic accent was great.