For most of my life, I have been an avid fan of the performing arts, so when the opportunity arose for me to see the double performance of Voxti and the Gospel Project, I eagerly took it.
The performances occurred on Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Commons Mainstage Theater. The evening opened with President Susan Schultz-Huxman commenting on the importance of the performing arts at EMU, introducing a plan to bolster the performing arts at EMU, and explaining that music is crucial to advancing our values at EMU.
The first act was Voxti, EMU’s student-led acapella octet. The students performed ten beautiful melodic choral pieces. From the first notes, the audience, including myself, sat in quiet reverence of the notes flowing from the singers. A few pieces stood out to me as the strongest: “Bullerengue,” “O Magnum,” “Star,” and “I’ll Fly Away.”
“Bullerengue” was my favorite song of the evening. The four women of the octet, Afton Rhodes-Lehman, Greta Schrag, Savannah Smith, and Reah Clymer soared with their tight harmonies.
“O Magnum” was built on the firm foundation of Joe Seitz and Thad Jackson’s deep bass. This song ended so gently with the octet’s soft harmonies fading out.
“Star” had the best blend of wonderfully precise harmonies. Jacob Nissley’s solo washed over the audience with his strong tenor.
Finally, “I’ll Fly Away,” arranged by EMU alum Sam Kauffman, had a bubbly flow with complex harmonies that were formed by the steadiness of Adam Hoover, Greta Schrag, and Savannah Smith.
The only thing that felt off was the song order. The octet went back and forth from upbeat, happier songs to slower, quieter songs and it felt a bit like a rollercoaster. If I were to see them perform again, I would hope the group would tighten up their song order so that we are taken on more of a journey rather than subtle musical whiplash.
Overall, the group was magnificent. Their harmonies blended well and were phenomenal throughout. The songs built up slowly so that they swelled together in a resounding musical climax.
The second act featured musician Perry Blosser and EMU theater professor Justin Poole. The show tells of the life of Christ through the interaction of music, words, and movement. The show opened in pitch black with Poole quoting the Gospel of John. From there, he and Blosser moved into the life of Christ.
Poole’s powerful voice covered the audience in the words of the Bible as he moved around the stage to show the life of Jesus.
Throughout the performance, Blosser maintained an intense focus on Poole, taking his eyes off of the actor only to change his instrument or move around the stage. Blosser played the mandolin for the majority of the performance to underscore the words that Poole was speaking.
I have seen many renditions of the story of Jesus throughout my years, but none have captured me as much as the Gospel Project did. Poole’s use of flowing movement and remarkable commitment to this role caught my attention in a way that I have never experienced before. Blosser’s focus on Poole’s movement and his music added a dimension to the story that is not seen in other versions.
For me, the most captivating moment was the end. Poole, acting as Jesus risen from the dead, stood on a chair in the middle of the stage with his arms stretched heavenward as his mighty voice covered the audience with the words of the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20.