Young singers were impressive in 'Messiah'

Young singers were impressive in 'Messiah'

Professor George Williams recently directed young singers Glenette Shurney, soprano; Myla Humphrey, contralto; Isaiah Robinson, tenor and Jonathan Green, baritone in a performance of Handel's "Messiah" with the South Side Family Chamber Orchestra, Grant AME Church Choir, Chatham Ensemble and Guest Singers recently at Grant Memorial AME Church. Dr. Wilfred Reid is pastor.

While Prof. Williams was conducting and the soloists were singing with exceptional technique, one recalled the time many years ago when the fantastic bass Delano O'Banion first sang Handel's "Messiah" at Hartzel Methodist Church when he was approximately 15 years of age. He has since become tremendous singer in oratorio, opera and concert. He is the founder-director of the John Work Chorale and still teaches in the Chicago Public High Schools.

While we mention this great singer's early beginnings, it is significant that he has been a tremendous force in the music and artistic world.

Who knows what may happen to the four young people who sang with Prof. Williams, this choral masterpiece.

Soprano Glenette Shurney, a young student at DePaul University was impressive for her poise, magnetic personality who sang effortlessly and with endearing warmth. Her musicality was consistently of the first order and completed her coloratura possesses with breathtaking virtuosity.

Myla Humphrey, a student at Oakwood College, is no novice in the area of music as a contralto with a wide range. She was in the East, when at 14 she sang for the first time Handel's "Messiah." She sang here in Chicago for the South Shore United Methodist Church, for Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church and for the second time at Grant Memorial AME Church.

Miss Humphrey is distinguished for her depth of projection and rich, velvet tones that already is providing a wonderful vocal splendor as she performs.

One was amazed at the clarion brilliance of Robinson, a tenor who is still in high school. At his age, he sang with a perfect technique. His vocal line is even in all registers and certainly has great potential as a tenor singer.

The deep, magnificent bass of Green has attracted attention in America and in Europe. He is still in high school, but when he sang Handel's "Messiah" he demonstrated that he could project with tremendous power and exciting dramatic interpretations.

Leo Harris, who is manager of the South Side Family Chamber Orchestra, mixed with season and young aspiring classical instrumentalists provides opportunity for the young to develop.

He continues an active program throughout the year and from the orchestras many are now performing in and with professional orchestras.

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Photo (Jonathan Green)