ⓒ 2009 WATV

“It was beyond my expectation,” “I could feel their passion,” “I feel completely refreshed,” “I actually thought the concert would be somewhat boring and rigid, but it was full of energy and vitality. It’s a good thing I came.”

The Church of God Messiah Orchestra Concert wrapped up their final concert of 2009 successfully amidst enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience. They held their year-end concerts every 2 weeks, beginning at the New Jerusalem Temple on November 29 and then at the Church of God in Gwanak and at the Church of God in Dongdaemun. These concerts were prepared for the members to invite their families and relatives and to share beautiful melodies and warm love with them.

ⓒ 2009 WATV

Before the concert began, General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim gave a brief history of the Church of God to those who were visiting the Church for the first time, and expressed his wish that all the participants would become one in mind through their love for music and to share happiness and joy with one another. On top of that, he wished God’s richest blessings for every member and their family in the new year 2010.

At last, the “2009 Messiah Orchestra Concert” started. The concert opened with a performance by the string quartet. The soft melodies and cheerful rhythms of the string instruments garnered great attention from the audience at once. The atmosphere of the concert became more lively by a well-harmonized performance by the woodwind quintet, which displayed an unique and peculiar sound. And it was followed by the performance of the Messiah Orchestra that filled the stage.

Considering that the audience was made up of mostly families, the orchestra performed classics like Beethoven’s “Schicksal (Fate)” and Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance” and Korean lieder like “Longing for Mount Geumgang” and “Magnolia Blossom,” which are all famous and familiar to everyone. There was also a magnificent performance by the Men’s Ensemble along with the orchestra. The climax of the concert was when the orchestra performed the New Songs that express the joy of salvation; the mysterious and magnificent melodies of the songs completely overwhelmed the audience.

For the last part of the concert, Johann Strauss’ “Radetzky March” was performed and received a great response from the audience. While everybody was enjoying themselves, following along with the cheerful rhythm, the performers and the audience became one.

After the concert, the audience took a look around the photo exhibition, enjoying drinks and snacks prepared for them. A student majoring in music gave her impression of the concert by saying, “I could feel the sincerity of the performers. Their entire performance was really touching and impressive.” People from the neighborhood, who were invited by the members to the concert, also said, “We used to just look at the outside of the Church while passing by it. Now, looking inside the Church, we feel a bright and warm atmosphere in here; we like it. The concert was really wonderful. We hope this kind of event will take place often.”

ⓒ 2009 WATV

The Messiah Orchestra was founded in 2000 to praise Elohim and display Their glory to the whole world through the beautiful performances of the New Songs. Now the orchestra is widening its sphere of musical activities by performing not only at Church worship services and events but also at many other social and cultural events. The Messiah Orchestra also plans to transform into a 120-member orchestra with woodwinds in four sections and to convey God’s love to all the souls around the world.