Israel in Egypt

Since 1985, the Mennonite Festival Chorus had been appearing together with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Last night in the oratoria "Israel in Egypt" composed by George Frederic Handel, members of the Mennonite Festival Chorus and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra teamed up to deliver a wonderful performance.

Israel in Egypt is the story of the Hebrew tribes deliverance from Egyptian domination. It is the story of plagues. It is the story of triumphs.

For me, it was fascinating to sit in the same church, Westminster United Church, where I had sat (only a few seats away) the day before. Thursday, I was there to mourn our loss of Campbell Wright. Friday, I was there to listen to the echoes of music and song speaking of plagues and triumphs. Campbell's passing was a great loss, but his efforts are sure to lead to wonderful things yet to come.

Congratulations to conductor Rudy Schellenberg, the co-directors William Baerg, George Wiebe and Rudy Schellenberg, and to all the members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Mennonite Festival Choir who made last night possible.

In the photo, my wife Naomi is shown with Leah Ross who was singing in the Mennonite Festival Chorus. Leah works in my office and we are proud of her singing.