(Cincinnati Music Hall)
Recently my daughter-in-love and granddaughter invited me to accompany them to “Sing Hallelujah, Cincinnati!”–an event at our city music hall.
Vocal groups and instrumentalists from the metropolitan area participated, presenting music around the theme, “Hallelujah.” The experience turned out to be much more than I expected.
First, a brass band came marching in from the back, playing a jazz rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”–New Orleans style. By the time they exited out a side door at the front, we weren’t just applauding, we were smiling.
The genial atmosphere created by Cincy Brass was further enhanced by the relaxed and friendly master of ceremonies, Mr. Dilworth. In his opening remarks, he explained the meaning of hallelujah: to express joy and to praise God. And that’s exactly what we did for the next hour or so.
First, Mr. Dilworth taught the audience a hallelujah song, one segment at a time. Then he challenged us with a descant part. The final effort combining tune and harmony turned out quite pleasing. We applauded again, for Mr. Dilworth’s talented direction and our surprisingly good performance. Now we were smiling even more broadly.
Perhaps Mr. Dilworth knows the research: “Singing corporately produces a chemical change in our bodies that contributes to a sense of bonding” (1).
For the rest of the evening, one choir and ensemble after another wowed us with a broad range of music, including classical, traditional, ethnic (Ukrainian and African), gospel, spiritual, bluegrass, and jazz.
What made the occasion distinctive, however, was the racial mix among performers and audience members. And as the evening unfolded, the music became a catalyst for unity among us—in spite of various ethnic groups and a wide variety of musical genre.
Even though all of the pieces sung and played could not possibly be everyone’s favored styles, the entire audience clapped (Some even gave a shout now and then!) in enthusiastic appreciation for all participants.
We were bonded together in a unity of gratitude.
Also among us flourished the unity of contentment. For one hour we sat companionably immersed in the mutual pleasure of music. Any rough edges of tension that might cause strain in other circumstances were smoothed over on this occasion–by the hallelujahs of praise.
Finally, there was the unity of joy—evident in the continuous smiles and occasional laughter.
And where there is joy there is the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).
It’s probable not all participants and attendees were Christians. Most of the groups who performed would be categorized as secular.
But for this one evening, whether folks knew it or not, we drew close to God through grateful, contented, and joyful praise. And as a glorious byproduct, found ourselves drawn closer to one another.
Note:
(1) Bob Kauflin (member of GLAD vocal band for thirty years), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/words-of-wonder-what-happens-when-we-sing
Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.jba.af.mil (Jordyn Fetter); http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pixabay.com.
From the Inside Out 
How beautiful worship can be! When we truly worship the Lord, the world takes notice. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Oh, yes–worship is a beautiful thing. Can you imagine how beautiful worship will be in heaven when we sing and play our harps (without lessons!) for God and with God?!
What a beautiful experience that must have been! I love music. It has always been a ‘happy place’ for me, listening and appreciating the many different genres. When I was growing up my mom ‘made’ me take piano lessons from the age of five until I turned 16, and I’m so glad that she did. Mom still has her piano, and since I live next door I’ve taken it up again. When my Dad passed away in 2016 I played one of his favorite hymns as they were taking his body away from their home. It comforted me. I so look forward to eternally praising my Savior in song! And…I bet that music will be even more beautiful in Heaven! The sounds that await us will be magnificent! Great post, Nancy!
Thank you, Cheri. And kudos to you for taking up the piano again. As for your last comments, see my comments to Heidi, above. I am right with you, looking forward to praising Jesus with our songs!
Oh, Nancy, how I would love to have been there. It sounds “heavenly” to say the least. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memory. Praying daily for you and Steve.
And thank you, Ruth, for faithfully reading these posts. I am so grateful for your loyalty, sweet friendship, and faithful prayers. I just prayed for YOU this morning and your Encouragers group!
wow what a wonderful evening that was. I love music but to be so included and brought into the process must have exceeded all your imagination. Thanks for sharing.
And thank you for reading and always leaving your encouraging comments, Jean. MUCH appreciated!
What a lovely night! Thank you for telling us about it. I hope they do it again some time.
I, do, too. In my opinion such events could do much to bring us all together.
Thanks for posting Nancy! I wish I would have known about it. Sounded like a really wonderful experience.
It surely was wonderful, Samuel. Hopefully they will offer more experiences like this one!
Wow, Nancy, I love knowing this: “Singing corporately produces a chemical change in our bodies that contributes to a sense of bonding.” Isn’t that just like our Maestro to hardwire that into us. And such fruit—gratitude, contentment, joy—a true ingathering.
As singers, we’ve certainly experienced that sense of bonding, haven’t we. It IS a precious gift to be uniquely linked together by song. But I didn’t realize there was a chemical change occurring. Indeed, our God is quite the Maestro! Thank you, Laurie, for stopping by.
This is so true Nancy, worship is beautiful it draws us closer to God everytime we enter into his presence.His word says God inhabits in the praises of his people.Am a worshipper myself and nothing brings more joy than experiencing his presence.It sounds like you really had a wonderful experience , I wish I was there as well.
And I wish that I had understood worship more completely (as you do) when I was your age! Your response reveals a beautiful, heartfelt relationship with God. Thank you for stopping by, Merilyn!
Glory Glory Hallelujah and Maranatha Everyone!!
Love Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
Thank you, Kristi Ann. Indeed, come, Lord Jesus!