'Messiah in America' concert a smash hit

COSTA MESA, Calif. — The 200 member Orange County Mormon Choral Organization adult choir performed the premiere presentation of "Messiah in America," on March 31 at Segerstrom Hall. The complete and original oratorio was composed by Brett Stewart, a rising composer from Orange County, California. It was performed to perfection by a 90-piece OCMCO symphony orchestra.Concert guests were moved to tears as the choir sang and soloists performed the 34- movement oratorio.Acclaimed soloists included soprano, Erin Morley (soprano), Francesca Forsyth (mezzo soprano), George Dyer (tenor), and John Huntington (bass). Members of many religious denominations were present at the two sold out performances at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The OCMCO children's, youth, and concert choirs also performed LDS hymns including "Hope of Israel" and "Bring the World His Truth."OCMCO is a non profit 501(C)(3) organization with a volunteer force of 500 people. Brett and Brandon Stewart, the conductors of the OCMCO are brothers with a mission.Their purpose is to encourage excellence in sacred and classical music. OCMCO's purpose is to provide a unique and unsurpassed level of music education for all levels. At a time of educational budget cuts in music, the Stewart brothers, vision of music excellence is timely.The OCMCO choirs and orchestra are mostly comprised of members of the LDS faith, but are open to all faiths throughout the community. They provide a valuable learning environment where children, youth and adults can associate with and share talents with their those who maintain similar values. OCMCO students are encouraged to use their training to share with their communities and churches.The Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, a prestigious venue with stellar acoustics, is also the home of OCMCO's next scheduled concert "Amazing Grace" will be performed June18 and 19, as a tribute to God, Family and Country. The concert will feature Country music sensation, Collin Raye. Both concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 23. Phone: 714-556-2787. For more information, go to OCMCO.org