Brightest and Best
During the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s holiday concert, Holly, Jolly, and Gay!, on December 5, 2025, the ensemble delivered an uplifting and spirited performance of Shawn Kirchner’s arrangement of “Brightest and Best.” Presented at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, the piece brought a sense of forward motion and joyful energy to the evening’s program while retaining a thoughtful, expressive core.
Kirchner’s arrangement is known for its rhythmic vitality and expansive harmonic language, and the chorus embraced these qualities with confidence. From the opening measures, the singers established a buoyant pulse that carried the music forward, allowing the traditional hymn tune to feel fresh and engaging. Clear diction and strong ensemble cohesion ensured that the text remained prominent, reinforcing the song’s message of seeking light and guidance.
The dynamic shaping of the performance was particularly effective. Lighter, more transparent passages contrasted with fuller, resonant moments, creating a sense of journey within the music. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay navigated these shifts with ease, demonstrating both technical control and expressive commitment. Each voice part contributed to a rich, balanced sound that filled the sanctuary without overwhelming its natural acoustics.
Allendale United Methodist Church provided an ideal backdrop for Kirchner’s expansive writing. The chorus’s harmonies resonated warmly in the space, allowing the brighter chords to shimmer and the more reflective passages to linger. The result was a performance that felt both grounded and soaring, drawing the audience into the music’s sense of wonder and purpose.
Within the context of Holly, Jolly, and Gay!, “Brightest and Best” served as a meaningful bridge between celebration and reflection. The performance captured the hopeful spirit of the season while encouraging listeners to look outward with curiosity and compassion. Through Shawn Kirchner’s vibrant arrangement and the chorus’s committed interpretation, the piece became a memorable and inspiring highlight of the concert.