While the authenticity of large-scale performances is known to be doubtful, I believe that genuine spiritual connection can be found in any setting that moves us. This conviction guided my experience at the Good Friday performance of Messiah in The Royal Albert Hall—first when I was 19, and again this year as I witnessed the 150th anniversary performance by The Royal Choral Society.
As the music filled the Hall, there were moments when I felt a deep sense of awe and inspiration – moments when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Emotions stirred that went beyond mere appreciation of the music. The sheer scale of the performance made the experience both personal and communal—an unforgettable way to focus on the Christmas and Easter Messages on one of the most poignant days in our Christian calendar.
Afterwards, a friend reminded me about the relatively unauthentic nature of such large-scale performances. This discussion about authenticity made me reflect on how we each approach faith differently. It led me to consider the importance of focusing on our own experiences rather than external judgments. Just because my tastes are a bit vulgar and I happen to enjoy grand oratorio performances does not mean I cannot delight in them. For me, the experience was wonderful, and it reaffirmed the idea that our spiritual encounters are shaped by what moves us, not strictly by what is considered authentic.
We all have our different ways of coming closer to God, and whether or not a performance is truly authentic to the composer’s original intentions does not compromise the authenticity of our own experience of the divine. Life is full of rabbit holes to distract us from focusing on what God is saying to us at any given moment, and people will always find reasons to frown on something.
So what!
A Prayer
Lord, different things speak to us in different ways. Help us to learn to discern what you are saying to us through the experiences of life and not to be put off by the comments people make or what may be considered correct form.
Help us to be true to ourselves and to you in our walk together, for Jesu’s sake.
Amen.