The 2024 Midsummer concert was themed “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD,” part of the exhortation from Psalm 150. Every selection presented reflected the desire of all the musicians to use their talents for God’s glory, and to inspire all those in attendance to worship Him.

After opening with “Star Spangled Banner,” the symphony orchestra played “Light Cavalry Overture,” a piece that begins with a brass fanfare. By its conclusion, the audience felt ready to go into battle, confident of victory.

Next, Marcus Luka sang two pieces, “Going Home” and “O Sole Mio.” A biography on Marcus was featured in the printed program, which described his musical and spiritual background. He has studied music in some capacity his entire life, including currently at Portland State University, and is faithful in using his gifts of singing and playing tuba and trombone in church. Both of his pieces were beautifully sung, so much so that the audience couldn’t even wait until the end to applaud!

The Portland combined adult and youth choirs sang three pieces, each very different in style. The first was “All that Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord,” featuring Sarah Asaya with a beautiful solo. The second was “Here’s One,” with Josh Friesen playing a blues-style trumpet accompaniment. Chris Luka sang a solo in the last song, “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.”

Before intermission, Shawn Worthington played an organ solo of “Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart,” which concluded with a standing ovation.

The concert resumed with the brass section playing “La Peri.” Then, a ladies' quintet that included Sarah and Susan Asaya, Azaria Charles, Rosie Lambert, and Roxie Rael sang. They were accompanied by piano, ukulele, bass, and guitar. Their first song was “The Commission,” which was about Jesus’ parting message to the disciples and believers today. The chorus says, “Go tell the world about Me, I was dead but now I live, I’ve gotta go for a little while, but goodbye is not the end.” They followed with “Who Am I?”

During a short break from the performances, Director of Music Gary Riler presented three scholarships to young musicians who have excelled in their music studies and are active in their local churches. Two of the recipients were from Portland: Susan Asaya and Barrett Oilar. The third recipient, from Washington D.C., was Whitney Adeika.

The men’s choir, made of Portland adult and youth choir members with a few additions from out of town, sang “Steal Away” and “Swing Down Chariot.” The full orchestra returned to play “American Salute” and then the choir and orchestra combined to perform “Down to the River to Pray.”

The two weeks leading up to the concert were full of practices, with some musicians rehearsing each night. The tremendous efforts of the conductor and all participants were rewarded, with both the audience and musicians leaving the evening encouraged and inspired.