Videos from Premiere of Cantata Emmanuel

by Paul Leavitt
Concert premiere of
Cantata Emmanuel
for soloists, SATB choir and orchestra
Festival Choir and orchestra of the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, DC
under the direction of Paul Leavitt
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
Celebrating the 140th anniversary of the founding of Church of the Reformation and the 75th year of presence in its current building

Cantata Emmanuel was commissioned by Church of the Reformation in honor and memory of Beatrice Shelton, long-time member of Reformation. Based on the 10 newly renovated painted glass windows in the sanctuary, the work depicts the life of Christ.

1st movement: Nativity based on Nun komm der Heiden Heiland

Ellen Timmer-soprano
Erica Haman- alto
George Redden-Liotta- tenor
Gregory Stuart- baritone

2nd movement: Child of Wonder

Ellen Timmer-soprano
Erica Haman- alto
George Redden-Liotta- tenor
Gregory Stuart- baritone

3rd movement: Surrender Your Heart to God

Psalm text by Juliette Amberson Jones

4th movement: The Good Shepherd

text by Kathryn Tobias
Ivy Finkenstadt- soprano
Gregory Stuart- baritone

5th movement: I am the Light of the World

text from biblical source and Juliette Amberson Jone

6th movement: Transfiguration

7th movement: Hymn: At the Table of Remembrance

text by Juliette Amberson Jones

7th movement: Hymn: At the Table of Remembrance

text by Juliette Amberson Jones

8th movement: Gethsemane

text from biblical source and Juliette Amberson Jones
Christopher Redden-Liotta- tenor
Reginald Allen- bass

9th movement: Ave Verum Corpus/ Descent from the Cross

Irina Varamesova- soprano

10th movement: Vision of Christ at Emmaus

text by Juliette Amberson Jones