Glory of Easter 2010

The North Yok Temple Band (NYTB) took the stage at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts on Easter Saturday, to present their annual 'The Glory of Easter' concert'. Joining the band this year were the Elmer Iseler Singers, a professional choral group founded by the late Dr. Elmer Iseler, arguably Canada's most famous choral conductor in recent history.

The Band kicked off the proceedings with Norman Bearcroft's sparkling march, 'The Spirit of the Army'. The North York Junior Timbrel group joined the Band for this item, which added to the enjoyment for the large crowd in attendance. Following words of welcome from Commissioner Bill Francis, himself a former New York Staff Bandsman, B/M Glenn Barlow led the band through the first movement of Ray Steadman-Allen's 'At the Edge of Time'. This is vintage R. S-A music, and topical for the season, as it features the tune St. Magnus, to which is married Thomas Kelly's words, 'The head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with Glory now'. The Elmer Iseler singers then presented Edward Gregson's lovely setting, 'Before the Cross', and then to the surprise of many, Commissioner Francis informed the audience that Col. Bearcroft was in the audience. Bearcroft then came up on stage to conduct the Singers in R. S-A's arrangement of 'Lord of the Dance', a song often featured by the International Staff Songsters when Bearcroft was their leader. The Singers MD, Lydia Adams, provided the piano accompaniment.

Bandsman Bob Venables is no stranger to the concert stage, and he wowed the crowd with a stunning performance of Ivor Bosanko's cornet solo, 'The Heavenly Light', which features the old S.A. song, 'Open and let the Master in', set in a theme and variations format. Superb playing. The Singers then followed with two songs; an Interesting arrangement by Col. Bearcroft of 'Scarboro' Fair', set to the words of the Easter hymn, 'Christ is Ris'n from the Dead'. In contrast we were treated to Handel's majestic 'Hallelujah Chorus'. A huge choral sound from only 20 singers, much enjoyed by the appreciative audience. To conclude the first half, the NYTB gave an excellent reading of Martin Cordner's major work, 'Day of Freedom', which takes as its theme the contemporary worship song, 'Midnight Cry'. References to 'Praise to the Lord the Almighty' (Lobe den Herren', are also evident in the music. This is an enjoyable work for both performer and listener alike.

To begin the second half, B/M Barlow chose to return to Cordner's music with his stately march, 'Temple Visions', which take as its theme in the trio, 'Lead on O King Eternal'. The North York Singing Company provided a nice contrast as they featured Len Ballantine's contemporary setting of 'There is a Green Hill far away'. The Elmer Iseler Singers followed with Philip Wilby's beautiful setting of 'Wondrous Cross'. This was a joy to listen to, especially being able to hear it sung by a choral group of this quality.

For it's final contribution for the evening, the NYTB performed R. S-A's iconic work, 'The Holy War'. Perhaps not everyones cup of tea, it is good occasionally, to hear these almost forgotten works, which were groundbreaking in their day. Written some 45 years ago now for the S. A.'s centenary celebrations, the music is based on Bunyan's allegory of the same title. The work is designed to remind the listener of the never ending struggle between good and evil, and takes as it's central theme, Luther's famous 'reformation Hymn'. Even considering its age, the work still provides a stern test for the best of bands, and under the confident and skilful direction of B/M Barlow, the band came through with flying colours. Interestingly, the baritone solo in the central part of the work was played by Ken Rawlins, son of Colonel Ken Rawlins who was present in the RAH when the piece was premièred by the ISB back in 1965.

To conclude the evening, the Elmer Iseler Singers presented a major choral work by Norman Bearcroft, with his three movement suite, 'Above Every Name'. The movements are headed up 1. The opposition to Jesus'; 2. A meditation on his death ('O come and look awhile on Him'); and 3. The dawn and triumph of Easter Day ('Look ye saints the sight is glorious'). A terrific performance of this relatively difficult and taxing piece. Following this, the Singers sent us off with Darren Bartlett's lovely benediction, 'The Lord is Gracious'.

Kudos to MD Lydia Adams , the Singers, and NYTB for providing a top class evening of sacred music, which no doubt lifted the spirits of all in attendance on the eve of Easter Sunday.

Stan Ewing