Bethel College's annual choral showcase, "Bethel Sings," is set to captivate audiences with a poignant theme this year. The event, featuring performances by the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Chapel Choir, and the a cappella groups Open Road and Woven, will take place on November 3rd at 4 p.m. in the Bethel College Mennonite Church.

Honoring the Departed, Embracing the Eternal

Remembering Loved Ones with Heartfelt Melodies

The concert's timing, immediately following the traditional celebrations of el Día de los Muertos (All Saints/All Souls Days) on November 1st and 2nd, is significant. These days are dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away. Dr. Henry S. Waters, the director of choral music and associate professor of music at Bethel, has thoughtfully crafted the concert's theme, "Sing You Home," to reflect this poignant occasion.Initially, Waters had envisioned a theme of "Home," but as he planned the program, his focus shifted to remembering "those finding their heavenly – or forever – home, and the hope to see them again." This shift in perspective is evident in the carefully curated selection of pieces, which aim to capture the universal human experience of grief and the profound emotions that arise when words fail us.

Exploring the Depths of Grief through Music

The program for "Bethel Sings: Sing You Home" features a diverse array of arrangements, including traditional spirituals and hymn tunes, as well as compositions by contemporary composers. Pieces such as "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" (arranged by Alice Parker) and "Give Me Jesus" (arranged by Reginal Wright) will be performed, alongside works by Jake Runestad, Shawn Kirchner, Susan LaBarr, Nicki Mehta, and Daniel E. Gawthrop.Notably, the concert will also include two selections from Craig Hella Johnson's oratorio Considering Matthew Shepard. This powerful work explores the tragic story of Matthew Shepard, a young man whose life was taken in a hate crime, and serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that loss can have on individuals and communities.

Celebrating the Eternal Home with Uplifting Harmonies

Through the carefully curated program, Dr. Waters aims to guide the audience on a journey of remembrance and hope. The concert's theme, "Sing You Home," is a reflection of the belief that music can serve as a bridge between the earthly and the eternal, providing solace and comfort in times of grief.The performance promises to be a moving and transformative experience, as the talented choirs of Bethel College come together to create a tapestry of sound that celebrates the enduring bonds of love and the promise of eternal rest. Audience members can expect to be transported through the power of music, finding solace in the shared experience of remembering and honoring those who have gone before us."Bethel Sings" is a free event, with a freewill offering taken to support the continued excellence of choral music at Bethel College. As the oldest Mennonite college in North America, Bethel has a rich tradition of fostering the arts and nurturing the creative spirit of its students and community.