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.”