LOGAN-Rehearsals for the Cache Valley production of Rob Gardnet’s Lamb of God are well underway with Haley Brown the artistic director and Joseph Parker the production manager have spent tireless hours they hope will bring the entire Christian community together.
The Lamb of God is a modern oratorio that brings the final week of the life of Jesus Christ into focus with first-person narratives.
The music is performed by a local choir, orchestra and soloists, who take the audience to the triumphal entry to Gethsemane, the trial, crucifixion, and the hope of the Resurrection.
Gardner was in a graduate school program scoring music for motion pictures and television at the University of Southern California when the idea came to him to tell the story of Jesus through the eyes of the people who were around Him.
The interfaith presentation delivers a deep human reflection that resonates well beyond Easter season.
The production team brings a great deal of professionalism to the oratorio and worked hard to make sure it is successfully presented for all faiths.
Joseph Parker’s fell in love with the music of the “Lamb of God” production years ago. Last Easter season, he searched for a place to watch it in person but couldn’t find a performance in Cache Valley. His dream was to bring this to Logan.
Brown has been involved with the “Lamb of God” production for 13 years. She has participated in the orchestra, choir and serving and as a soloist in various years. She has been involved in directing, producing and participating in many different productions throughout her life including theater, dance, choir, orchestra and smaller string ensembles.
Lamb of God has been one of her favorite things in the whole world, since the moment she first heard it. Her dream has been to conduct Lamb of God herself one day, and she has been preparing for years.
Brown and Parker where at work one day and inspired by each other’s dreams and spiritual impressions, they decided to step into the world of managing the large-scale production. This included conducting about 80 soloist auditions last fall, selecting a 160-member choir and orchestra from the abundant musical talent across the valley.
“The goal of this production is to unite the interfaith Christian community in Cache Valley in a celebration of Jesus Christ,” Parker said. “This is an interfaith event with participation from multiple churches in the Valley. We are excited for the performances at the end of the month and encourage everyone, from all faiths and backgrounds, to attend and experience the life-changing music of Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God.”
The Gospels of the New Testament is sole source of the material and composition of Lamb of God and itis performed every year, all around the world, by thousands of musicians and singers across dozens of faiths.
It is performed in concert halls, Catholic Cathedrals, Protestant Sanctuaries, Evangelical Churches, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Chapels and on university campuses.
Most of these performances are multi-denominational, involving members of as many as 60 different faiths in one performing group alone. In fact, the artistry of the music and storytelling is such that even many non-believers are moved to participate in or attend a performance.
This year’s production will be held at the Historic Logan Tabernacle located on Main Street in the center of town. The production will be held at 7 p.m. on March 26, 27 and 28.
On March 26 adults and children are invited. The performances are for adults and children 8 years of age and older. Doors open at 6:00 and seats are on a first come first serve basis.
All are welcome and there is no charge.