BY SARAH ARMIJO
The St Lorenzo Choir sang beautifully at the Winter Solstice Concert.
Walnut – When you hear a story through music, it creates a special meaning, and the story told through the performers in the Winter Solstice concert was a unique and passionate way of hearing the story of Christmas.
The Winter Solstice concert held at St. Lorenzo Catholic Parish Church on December 28, 2013 featured an impeccable performance from the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale, and Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan.
Under the direction of the talented Dr. Nové Deypalan and Collaborative Artist, Stephen Lazarus, the performers in the Winter Solstice concert were able to leave the audience speechless after each piece.
The night started off with the recently created Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra getting the audience in the Christmas spirit with “A Christmas Festival” arranged by Leroy Anderson. Then, with it’s now 100 members, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir took the stage by singing “We’ll Dress the House” arranged by Deypalan.
But the audience were left in awe when Cristina Pacheco, Walnut High School graduate and Executive Director of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale took the stage to sing “As If We Never Said Goodbye” to start off the series of amazing vocalists.
After the remarkable performances from soloist Jordan Jimenez, trio Brian, Jada and Devon Roberts, and duet Ava Mills and Kristy Camarella, the Walnut Valley Master Chorale made their first appearance to sing a series of Christmas classics.
Following Chris Rodriguez’ conduction of the last two songs in the “Welcome Home” section, vocalists Jackie Madrigal, Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan, and Anna Betancourt, along with the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra took over the “Yuletide” section before the intermission.
Reverend Tony P. Astudillo’s speech started the second half of the concert. Then the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra got the audience right back in the Christmas mood, with the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir following.
After the variety of performances from the amazing vocalists, Paul Kintanar, JCris Ronquillo, Roberto Gomez, Bess de Guzman-Valenzuela, and Sal Malaki, the night ended in an outstanding version of the classic “Hallelujah.”
The Winter Solstice performers received tremendous amount of support from the community. Eighteen letters were written to the church and director by community members, office leaders, schools, and members of the Catholic parish community to show their appreciation.
Walnut Mayor Antonio “Tony” Cartagena and Congressman Ed Royce attended the show and had nothing but great things to say about the Winter Solstice concert and the St. Lorenzo Parish Community.
“This worthwhile musical production serves as an excellent way for a much needed Vellucci Hall renovation and Faith Formation programs to feature their amazing talents. Most importantly, it provides superb musical entertainment for our benefactors and community members not only in the City of Walnut, but in the entire San Gabriel Valley,” said Mayor Cartagena in his letter to St. Lorenzo.
“My deepest appreciation to all parishioners of the St. Lorenzo Catholic Parish for their continued dedication and contributions to the St. Lorenzo community, as well as their continued support in the enhancement of the City of Walnut,” Cartagena added.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the production of “Winter Solstice” for their tireless efforts and contributions to St. Lorezno’s parish. I applaud your service and unwavering commitment to your faith community,” said Congressman Ed Royce in his letter.
Pastoral Council Leader, Ed Slingluff, also gave a special thank you to Nové Deypalan, Arcel Punsalang, Honchee Natividad, and Espie Cabuntala for leading the faith community in the event, and he also thanked the “countless volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes to makes this endeavor a success.”
Deypalan, Music Director of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, also wrote a letter to the church on the day of the concert to show his appreciation, as well.
“To serve as Music Director of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church is a notable privilege because of the selfless volunteer singers whose dedication is immeasurable,” said Dr. Nové Deypalan, who is also the Founder and Music Director of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale.
“I am very proud of the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir’s accomplishments and very grateful for their continued support. In addition, I am thrilled and honored to lead this remarkable ensemble that has touched my heart,” Deypalan added.
For more information about these groups and performers, go to http://www.walnutvalleysymphony.org or http://www.stlorenzo.org.
