Thursday, June 18, 2009 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, Ohio Last night saw the grand reunion of two of America’s national treasures: The Cincinnati Pops and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Returning to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Riverbend Music Center, the Choir and Pops had a repeat of the widely hailed concert of 2007. Together, Maestros Erich Kunzel and Mack Wilberg led the 90 member orchestra and over 310 singers through some of the great patriotic and American repertoire. From the opening strains of "The National Anthem" to the close of the Choir’s singular "Battle Hymn of the Republic," the audience was energized and connected. The huge audience stretched all the way to the rear of the expansive lawn behind Riverbend's J. Ralph Corbett Pavilion. (Click to enlarge). "It was absolutely fantastic. I love all the patriotic songs, because I live overseas. I really appreciate being back for this," said Margaret, originally from Cincinnati, now living in Katmandu. Despite a night described by the Cincinnati Enquirer as "so muggy you could practically chew the air," audience members thoroughly enjoyed the concert. (Click to enlarge). "You all were fantastic! I loved the hymns, and I loved the African music," said Melinda from Kentucky. "’Homeward Bound’ was my favorite," her husband Dan, offered. Trisha from Cincinnati said, "We were in the presence of greatness tonight. We had Erich Kunzel directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with a narration by Neil Armstrong - with my family. It was the most amazing night." Maestro Erich Kunzel of the Cincinnti Pops (Click to enlarge). Maestro Kunzel took the stage to a warm ovation for his first concert with the Pops of the summer season. He directed with his typical energy and flair, despite continuing to receive treatments for cancer diagnosed earlier this spring. He exclaimed, "I’m conducting here, at the 25th Anniversary of Riverbend, the best choir in the world!" Kunzel was in Salt Lake and directed the Choir along with the Utah Symphony last September. He looked forward at that time to this event, "It’s a truly great honor to be affiliated with you and we hope it’s an affiliation that will go on as long as I live. Heaven could not be better than me on that podium conducting you people." Mack Wilberg led the Choir in several titles from their most recent recording, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. At number one on Billboard’s Classical Overall chart as well as the Classical Crossover chart, this album is growing in popularity and each offering from it last night was energetically received by the over 10,000 in attendance. Former astronaut Neil Armstrong acknowleges applause. (Click to enlarge). One highlight of the evening was the ovation received by former astronaut and the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, as he took the stage. He offered a stirring and impassioned narration of the beloved Lincoln Portrait by the great American composer, Aaron Copland. This was a repeat performance—Armstrong narrated this same work 25 years ago at the Pops’ first concert at the Riverbend Music Center. It is a little known fact that Andre Kostelanetz commissioned Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, which received its world premiere performance in Cincinnati in 1942 by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Cincinnati Bengal’s tight end, Ben Utecht, sings "God Bless America." (Click to enlarge). Cincinnati Bengal’s tight end, Ben Utecht, who is also an up and coming Christian recording artist, was featured as the evening opened with "The National Anthem." Later, Ben led the audience in a stirring rendition of "God Bless America." It was a moving sight to witness the audience come to their feet when invited to sing along on the final chorus. Maestro Kunzel is celebrating his 43rd year with the Pops. He is the Pops’ first and only conductor and has led them to unprecedented recognition and popularity with over 97 available recordings. One of these was recorded in 2004 with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Three Choral Suites of Mikos Rozsa includes music composed for the motion pictures Ben Hur, King of Kings and Quo Vadis. Affectionately called "the Prince of Pops," last summer, Kunzel led his great orchestra as they performed at the Beijing Olympics; the only international Orchestra invited to do so. Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Cincinnti Pops (Click to enlarge). Accompanying the Choir for the 13 day, seven city tour, is Elder Craig C. Christensen of Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and his wife, Debbie. "This is a fabulous experience. It’s been wonderful to just be around the Choir. We’re trying to meet all the Choir members. What a great dedicated service they do." Prior to the concert, a VIP reception was hosted by local LDS Church leaders. Chairman of the reception committee, Tony Strike, talked briefly on the organization of such an event: "It’s a lot of work by dedicated members of the committee. We have over 300 people here - prominent members of the community. They are all very excited to hear the Choir. It’s a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ as they say." Mac Christensen (l), President of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Choir Music Director Mack Wilberg chat with a guest at the VIP reception. (Click to enlarge). President Mac Christensen addressed those attending the reception, describing what it takes to move this group. "Two chartered airplanes today and another on Saturday, when our orchestra will join us in St. Louis. Eleven buses, four semi trucks, security teams, stage crews, travel coordinators. And my job is to sign the checks…" Dr. Mack Wilberg, director of the Choir and Orchestra, expressed his gratitude at being able to return to Riverbend. "Thanks to Erich Kunzel for his organization and efforts to have us back." After the concert, a good night’s rest was in order as the Choir met Thursday at the Salt Lake International Airport at 5:00AM in order to be in Cincinnati for a 2:00 p.m. rehearsal. Well worth the sacrifice! We look forward to another reunion in Cincinnati with those marvelous Pops and their Prince! By Bonita Cross, Choir 1st Alto