The last event for WCC 2025 was a fantastic musical concert by some of our favorite musicians, Dylana Jenson, virtuoso violinist, David Lockington, former Grand Rapids Symphony conductor and talented singer, and Robert Byrens, sought-after pianist.

Dylana’s husband, David Lockington, narrated the show. Dylana played Meditation from Thais by Massenet, Chaconne by Vitali, which was wonderful (click below to listen), and Introduction and Rondo Capricioso by Saint-Saen. “Dylana has performed with all the major U.S. orchestras and toured 3 other continents. She is a legend of her generation!” Kent MacKay

David introduced his student, 16-year Ezra Lee, who played on David’s own 1830 cello. What a talented young man! He is a 16-year-old homeschooler who is not only a cellist, but also an excellent dancer. He currently is training at HIS Dance Academy and his goal is to be a professional ballet dancer and biologist!

David sang “Still, Still, Still” and “In the Bleak Midwinter” and led us in singing a couple of traditional Christmas carols. Did you know that as a boy David sang in productions performed by the English National Opera? His longest tenure was the 16 years with our own Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. A highlight for symphony-goers was the orchestra’s performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2005.

Accompanying this entire show was Robert Byrens, a highly regarded collaborative pianist in the Grand Rapids area. He served as an artist faculty member at GVSU for 30 years, retiring in 2020. Additionally, he was the resident staff pianist and vocal coach for Opera Grand Rapids from 1993 until retirement in 2018.

Thank you to WCC member Kent MacKay who arranged this festive holiday performance and provided background and introductions of our musicians!