By Caesar Vallejos
EBC Correspondent
Not only has the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) reached its glory in the fields of architecture, engineering and socio-civic works, it has also achieved magnificence in the field of arts and music with the staging of Oratorio and Legacy of Faith, a musical program in commemoration of the 130th birth anniversary of Bro. Felix Y. Manalo, believed by the INC as God’s Messenger in these last days.
“Music is not only integral to our worship service of God – as singing of His wonderful love and greatness is one of our sacred offerings to Him – it may also function as a medium both to pass on to future generations our spiritual heritage as God’s people,” INC Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo said in his message to the participants at the INC Tabernacle on May 29, 2016.
The Oratorio
An oratorio is a musical composition for orchestra, choir and soloists based on a biblical or religious event with the story told through music.
New York-trained conductor and composer Rod Y. Ramos, a minister of the gospel, led the INC Symphony Orchestra and the INC Symphonic Choir in this dramatic and meaningful musical about the importance of God’s commissioning of His servant who would bring His last work of salvation.
The grand ensemble is comprised of musically gifted brethren and the finest choral groups from the Church that include internationally recognized and award-winning talents.
The Oratorio’s ‘great and terrible’ day depiction up to the ‘end of the earth’ section provided an urgent thunderous sound with turbulent passages keeping the audiences glued to their seats in awe.
When the music posed the question, “Who is the fulfillment of the third Elijah?” some audiences softly sing along as they knew this refers to Bro. Felix Manalo who is prophesied to continue preaching His righteousness.
The powerful music and lyrics by Ramos reached a thunderous height as he declared the words in the book of Isaiah about how He would bring His servants from the East and gather them in the West.
Its concluding music, which segued to the leadership of Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, focused on how members should stay faithful to the teachings of God that has remained unchanged from the time Bro. Felix Y. Manalo preached them.
The world-class performance was received by a standing ovation.
Legacy of Faith
The second part of the musical presentation entitled “Legacy of Faith” featured the New Era University Rondalla and Angklung, and the Rondalla UK together with the Rondalla Singers, INC Boys Choir and little ballerinas.
Under the baton of Bro. Lino Mangandi and Sis. Norma Velazquez, young members of the Church of Christ entertained, inspired and uplifted the hearts of the audience using their indigenous plucked strings.
From Bro. Felix Y. Manalo’s birth to his death, the sections of “Legacy of Faith” depicted the unbreakable spirit and the need to remember the messenger’s labors in working for the salvation of His children in these last days.
Audience participation was encouraged as hosts Clifford Stirba and Justine San Pedro asked questions during intervals of the musical performance.
“Music can communicate to us and to our children our one faith, one love, and one hope, bringing us closer to one another and reinforcing our bond as brothers and sisters. This is vital, for our harmonious and peaceful life enables us to further sustain our spiritual fervor in serving God,” Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo reminded from his message.
As the Oratorio proclaimed, “This is the aim of the Church Administration, that the Church of Christ will at last be saved! For to hold on to our election, is to take firm hold of salvation!”