Revised Version of Word and Song a Success

On Saturday, March 27, the Bible Society NSW presented the 11th production of its Easter Special, Celebration of Word and Song. This year there was a
new producer, narrators, orchestra, compositions and choirs performing the story of Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection in a packed Sydney Town
Hall.

Afterwards, many of the audience commented on the creativity and excellence of the performance, which will be replayed on television around the world,
via the Adventist Media network, as well as on the Australian Christian Channel and on Australia's Channel 7 Network on Good Friday at 11.00am. It
will also be broadcast on Radio FM103.2 in Sydney at 5.30pm Easter Sunday.

The previous producer, Roger Climpson OAM, complimented the new presentation remarking that "some of these ideas I would never have thought of. It's refreshing and goes to show what new and younger professionals can present."

Daniel Willis, the Chief Executive Officer of Bible Society NSW welcomed those attending and announced that the proceeds of this year's presentation
will assist the work of the Bible Society in China in printing the Bible at the Amity Press.

He went on the thank the new producer, Nick McKay; director Geoff Warren and co-ordinator Julie Bryant as well as the many contributing and participating
to the production.

Nick McKay previously appeared in Celebration of Word and Song in 2003, but this year his contemporary, creative ideas led to a production that created
a refreshing presentation of an age old story. A large semi-transparent screen, hung between the orchestra and the choir, was used to screen
illustrations of the Biblical epic, as a background to the narratives and musical items.

Geoff Warren, General Manager, Fundraising and Marketing, of Bible Society NSW, remarked on the growth and popularity of the Celebration of Word and
Song since its first production, in St Andrew's Cathedral, in 1994 with only 90 in attendance. "Many countries including Russia, Indonesia and now China
have been blessed by receiving Bibles through the donations of people attending the Celebration of Word and Song."

Paul Terracini, recognised for his many achievements in arranging and presenting sacred music, especially in the Hymns of the Forefathers series on ABC TV, conducted and arranged the musical items. He directed the 100 voice Choir; the St James' Choir and the congregational singing.

Professional soloists, Max Harding, Francine Bell, Phil Davidson, boy soprano Jackson Love, as well as organist Mark Quarmby, contributed to the performance, creating a musical mood to the overall production. Max presented "Joseph's Song"; Francine, "Amazing Grace", "The Power of Your
Love" and Jackson, "Blessing, Honour". Phil Davidson wrote and composed his own item, "Broken Ground" specifically for this year's Celebration of Word
and Song.

Narrators Joanna Moore-Smith, Kristy Stasiuk, Neil Modra and Matt Wills read the various Scripture passages associated with the Life of Christ and the
Easter Story. Their professionalism and voice presentation brought the verses to life!

Ten-year-old Raen Turner lost her nervousness as she presented her first reading in the Celebration of Word and Song, from Luke 2: 8-21, "The Birth
of Jesus". Raen, from the Blue Mountains area, said she rehearsed every day at home and her drama lessons at her school, the John Wycliffe Christian
School helped prepare her for this big moment.

The Opening Prayer was presented by Major Rod Carey of The Salvation Army and the Closing Prayer by the Rev. Dr Roger Chilton, Chairman of Bible
Society NSW.

Display stands in the foyer of the Sydney Town Hall indicated something of the projects involved in the Bibles for China and the presentation of the
Jesus story.

contact)5 Byfield Street, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, phone (02)9888-6588.

(The Religious Media Agency)