Normally when you hear the term “blockbuster” it’s in connection with a movie, or a show, usually done in the summertime. For example, a Google search for “blockbuster” turns up this:

Who’d ever think you would call a church service a “blockbuster?”

But “blockbuster” is exactly how I’d describe Scott Fikse’s last service today as Director of Music and Liturgy at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Certainly the major musical works performed today were blockbusters, starting with the orchestra prelude, “Sinfonia ‘Melodica’ in C major” by George Philipp Telemann.

Now is a good time as any to list the instrumentalists today: Rachel Saul Schifino, Arlene Koh, Helen Liu and Jeannine Markley, violins; Susan Leon and Anna Womack, violas; J. Y. Lee, cello; Taiga Benito, bass; Sara Ricer and Derek Fujio, oboes; Marsha Schweitzer, bassoon; and Samuel Chen, harpsichord.

If you’re wondering, the harpsichord is tuned to A=440 which was used on the Telemann, followed immediately by the opening hymn, “Praise to the Lord.” We had to tune right after the orchestral prelude because the organ is pitched at A=444, so when you play the video, you’ll hear the orchestra tune a second time to the organ!

The heart of the service was Bach Cantata 187, “Es wartet alles auf dich,” and the blockbuster opening chorus was exuberant and virtuosic, with the choir and orchestral musicians at the top of their game. I’m further amazed that Scott pulled the choir together for this basically in only two rehearsals, plus the orchestral dress rehearsal. Soloists included Melissa Walker Glenn, alto; Naomi Barrett, soprano; and “Buz” Tennent, bass.

Poor Scott got so excited after the end of the cantata, he mistakenly said that the Hymn of the Day was next, when in fact, the next thing was the sermon! After the sermon, however, came one of Scott’s favorite hymns, “Be thou my vision (SLANE)” and I’m so honored he orchestrated my harmonization for the last verse.

The offertory anthem was Randall Thompson’s “Have Ye Not Known” and “Ye Shall Have A Song,” from the Peaceable Kingdom. Normally the congregation does not applaud after the offertory anthem, but this time Pastor Jeff gave them permission, because the performance was that thrilling!

During the Communion, the choir sang Alexander Gretchaninoff’s “Our Father,” a gorgeous anthem which exploited the low bass notes of the choir. My husband Carl told me that when he went to Russia, he was surprised to see that the Russian basses were these very short men, under 5′ tall!

The final hymn was “God of grace and God of glory (CWM RHONDDA)” where I played my own organ descant on verse 3 and Scott again used my harmonization for the last verse. It was thrilling for me to hear it with orchestra!

I played Flor Peeters’ “Festival Voluntary” for the postlude, because it was grand, but also short and sweet after a service lasting nearly two hours!

After church there was a cake reception in the courtyard.

We all came back at 5:30 pm for a potluck reception. And didn’t you know that the Lutheran Church of Honolulu has a reputation for having not only fine music but also some of the finest food at its potluck suppers!

First of all, though, there was a slideshow in the nave put together by Keane Ishii, showing many scenes of Scott and Marcus Fikse with the many friends they have made in Hawaii. Then the choir gave a surprise musical presentation, including “By and By,” a spiritual arranged by Scott, “Unclouded Day,” by J. K. Allwood, and then one of the most beautiful renditions of Franz Biebl’s absolutely ravishing “Ave Maria,” sung antiphonally. According to Keane, when Scott first heard this piece many years ago cemented his decision to become a choral conductor. My heart melted, as did everyone else’s!

In my next post, I’ll publish Scott’s farewell address which he gave near the end of the service. Here’s what Scott’s mom, Janice, posted about the video of the service:

Thank you, everyone at LCH, for the friendship and love you have shown Scott and Marcus. Scott’s time as music director has been an amazing opportunity for Scott to grow professionally. You have been great teachers! Plus our family has made several wonderful trips to visit your church and your island. Mahalo!  Scott’s Mom

Thank you, Scott, for including me in this blockbuster celebration!