NPR hit radio show "From the Top" will record McCallie student Thomas West singing "Grosser Herr" live at the Tivoli April 26 at 7:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend the performance.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 642-TIXS. The "From the Top" recording is in celebration of Southern Adventist University's WSMC 90.5 FM radio station's 50th anniversary. West's performance will air twice locally on 90.5 FM on Sunday, June 17 at 2 p.m. and on Tuesday, June 19 at 10 a.m. It is scheduled to run the week of June 11 nationally on NPR Radio.
McCallie School sophomore Thomas West, of Lookout Mountain, will be a bass vocalist on NPR's "From the Top.""Representing McCallie School, my family and friends will be special," said Thomas, of Lookout Mountain. "The top classical musicians in the country go on NPR. It is a special opportunity not given often. It's a humbling experience."
As a bass vocalist, Thomas will perform "Grosser Herr" taken from "The Christmas Oratorio" by J.S. Bach.
"Bach took a piece of music and created beauty out of it," said Thomas. "It translates a message to your audience."
Looking back, Thomas remembers singing the piece for the first time in the Atlanta Boy's Choir. He recalls the impact that "Grosser Herr" had on him, since it is a powerfully deep song. Formerly a soprano, now singing as a bass vocalist, he feels that he can better translate the impact of the song to his audience.
"Bach took the text and wrote it to where it literally comes to life," said Thomas. "The song talks about God. The opening line is 'Mighty Lord and king of all creation.' He writes it so powerfully. It starts with a trumpet and you feel that power and might."
He said he is excited to share the song because it expresses his love of his church, youth group and his relationship with God. He said the song shows the importance of the Christian community. Thomas attends Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.
He credits God for helping him progress as a classical musician.
Coming up, Thomas will also perform in "Les Miserables" at Girls Preparatory School in the Frierson Theatre. He will perform Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 22 at 2:30 p.m. His role is Inspector Javert and he will sing as a bass vocalist in that performance as well.
"'Les Miserables' is my favorite musical of all time," said Thomas. "We have an incredible orchestra, directors, cast members, set and lights. The message of the musical is about redemption and forgiveness. It's something that needs to be heard today."
Thomas is a member of the McCallie Men's Ensemble. He takes voice lessons from Georgia Boy's Choir conductor David White.