Christ Church of Longboat Key hosts world-renowned musicians

Maxine and Paul Groen were dedicated members of the choir when Director of Music Robert Romanski started at Christ Church of Longboat Key. 

When meeting Romanski, the Groens couldn't stop talking about their son's musical talent and gave him a CD with a sampling of his music. Even though Romanski has heard this from many parents of musical children, he took the CD.

One day when he was driving home from Christ Church, Romanski played the CD. He said he had to pull over to the side of the road because of how emotional the music made him. Romanski then decided that the Groen's son (who also happens to be a world-renowned opera vocalist) Gerrit Paul Groen, was one of the best performers he had ever heard.

Years later, Gerrit has built a strong relationship with Christ Church and has visited to sing for his parents and their fellow congregants. Gerrit sang in Christ Church's Summer Music Magic recital the afternoon of Aug. 25. 

With a degree from the Manhattan School of Music, he has performed on and off Broadway and with the New York Opera. Now residing in London, Gerrit has sung worldwide at places such as the Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet and the Sydney Opera House. 

Gerrit also brought his accompanist, Julia Chou, with whom he's worked for about 20 years now.

Gerrit said it is always an honor to perform at Christ Church as a way to bring the congregation unique music and connect it to their worship.

Gerrit performed a variety of music with themes of worship and faith. He sang songs on the Psalms and Bible verses in German. He then ended the recital with classic worship songs that most of the congregants knew. 

"As a church that prioritizes worship through music, we always have great concerts in the winter," said Romanski. "We wanted to do something during the summer for the full-timers, and this was more than we could have asked for. He is truly one of the greatest performers, and I know everyone was moved while listening to him."