The river of light : an oratorio for soloists, chorus, & orchestra

The River of Light was commissioned by the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection orchestra and chorus in Leawood, KS in dedication of a 300 square foot stained glass window that is to be installed in their new sanctuary in 2017. The window, though conceived and built as one cohesive piece of art, is divided into three sections. Part I of “The River of Light” pertains to the images in the left third of the window. These scenes portray the events of creation, the Garden of Eden, and famous historical events and figures from the Old Testament. Part II, the middle of the window, alternates conversations between Jesus and various people from the New Testament with settings of three hymns dealing with the crucifixion that are near and dear to the church that commissioned the work. Part III, the right third of the window, utilizes quotations from figures important to the history of the Christian church that are depicted in the work of art. Flowing through all three sections is a river in the shape of the last Greek letter Omega. This river binds the three sections of the window together as does the hymn, “Shall We Gather at the River”, which flows through various musical numbers throughout the entire work.