The choir has once again chosen readings from the Book of Luke along with additional poetic reflections to tell the greatest story ever told…the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Through scripture, poetry, art andmusic, the Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys will bring to life this powerful, life changing story. They will begin with three carols announcing Christ’s birth 2000 years ago: John Tavener’s austere setting of Willam Blake’s “The Lamb” followed by two haunting, foreshadowing carols “Bethlehem Down” by Peter Warlock and Tchaikovsky’s “The Crown of Roses.”

The choir, adding a new anthem to our repertoire, will offer a response to Christ’s teaching ministry years on earth with Bob Chilcott’s “Be Thou My Vision.”

The choir will then jump forward to the start of Holy Week with more new music to its repertoire by incorporating throughout the Passion portion of the story, four of the five movements to the “Missa ad Praesepe” of George Malcolm.

From the cross narration, the choir will sing Bob Chilcott’s setting of “Were You There?” After this, Jesus will proclaim “It is finished” and He will give up His Spirit. After a silent pause, the choir will offer Dr. Larry Visser’s deeply, deeply moving anthem: What Grace is This?” followed by William Croft & Henry Purcell’s combined setting of “I Am the Resurrection and the Life.”

But the story does not end with death…the joy of resurrection will reveal that new life awaits us all. The Choir will conclude the program with great joy in offering William Mathias’s ceiling raising anthem: “Let All the People Praise Thee, O God.”

Those attending will also have the opportunity during this journey to join their voices with the choir singing the Easter hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” in an arrangement by Philip Ledger.

Mark your calendar’s now…let this very special concert bring the hope and love of Easter into your heart this coming Easter season.

No tickets are required, a free will offering will be taken.

Note: Thank you once again for your understanding that due to the often quiet, reflective nature of our choir’s programming, infants and young children can create distractions for those attending.