We’ve all experienced those special moments when our voices magically achieve angelic qualities. Maybe it’s upon entering a room, hallway or, um, shower stall. We sing out, ready to assume our position on a Broadway marquee or the McCaw Hall stage. Professional musicians are no different. However, they are forever in search of spaces that produce sublime acoustics to express their voices or instruments. The White – Helms Chapel & Community Room at Wesley Des Moines is one such environment. The word is out, and it’s music to our ears.
A fortunate accident
“The discovery of our chapel by area musicians was a total accident,” says Susan McConnell, Wesley Community Foundation Executive Director. “A cellist, who had played here, called and asked if he, a violinist and a pianist could rehearse here. That pianist loved the acoustics. Then he contacted a jazz ensemble and on and on.”
Lisa Bergman, a Juilliard-educated pianist well known for her Explore Music series on Classical KING radio, was an early advocate for the chapel and community room’s acoustics. She’s also a fan of the recently restored Steinway grand piano.
Recalls Susan, “Lisa said, ‘This is an incredible piano. If it goes missing, it’s because I stole it!’ Lisa and violinist Svend Rønning return twice a year to perform in our chapel.”
Intentional design for performers
It may be no surprise that the chapel’s lead architect studied piano in college. Susan likens the space, with its wood paneling and high ceilings, to a European cathedral. To add to the cathedral mystique, a donor gave Wesley a custom-crafted pipe organ. Organists far and wide have been calling to ask if they might play the Opus 46.
Noted organist Thomas B. Clark, who regularly practices at Wesley Des Moines, now plays during vespers. The Encores, the campus’s choir, also perform with an organist. In June, the Foundation will present “From Bach to Beach Boys” featuring Clark and The Choppers Brass Quintet. The diverse playbill includes Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon; Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”; three Beach Boys transcriptions: “California Girls,” “Sloop John B” and “Barbara Ann”; and other eclectic compositions.
Seattle Chamber Orchestra founder and pianist Lorenzo Marasso was so smitten during a rehearsal session with the chapel’s acoustics that he proposed an evening with a classical jazz quartet. Marasso was joined by flutist Wendy Wilhelmi, bassist Ross Gilliland and drummer Jesse Whitford. The program featured compositions by Philip Glass, Keith Jarrett, Claude Bolling and others.
Other performers included cellists Brian Wharton and Ching-Jung Lee and violinist Petro Kyrsa. Musicians and choirs continue to reach out and request potential concerts at Wesley, so more concerts will be added throughout the year.
“Artists typically contact me about six weeks ahead of their proposed performance date,” Susan says. “This type of programming has grown somewhat organically. I am thrilled that we are able to continue to produce such high-quality performances with professional performers.”
A welcoming environment
The chapel seats approximately 100 residents, and the Foundation provides programs with performer biographies. Visiting musicians also enjoy dinner or appetizers prior to their performance, part of the professional standard that Susan has established.
“We treat the musicians who perform here very well,” says Susan. “They love how appreciative our audience is and are always touched by the outpouring of kindness for their craft. We try to include time for questions and answers, presentations about the music and composers and general mingling after the performances, which the musicians also enjoy.”
Many of the visiting musicians play with orchestras, ballet and opera companies throughout the Puget Sound region. These are performances that many Wesley residents attend regularly. The acoustics in the White – Helms Chapel & Community Room is ideally suited for chamber orchestras, small jazz ensembles and soloists. Seeing an esteemed professional musician in such an intimate setting is a rare opportunity.
More performances coming
Wesley will have an additional performance venue in December when the Julia C. Moser Center for the Performing Arts is scheduled to open. Featuring professional-grade lighting, sound and staging, the center will significantly enhance the visual arts experience for both performers and audiences.
“We are very excited to be able to produce larger shows, including theater, dance and larger musical groups,” says Susan.
Wesley provides opportunities for residents to experience exceptional music performed by world-class musicians. The White – Helms Chapel & Community Room is an acoustically superb venue, one of many benefits of calling Wesley home.