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The Littleton Colorado Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pleased to
present for a second year the Easter Oratorio, “Lamb of God” -- performed by the Colorado
Mormon Chorale and Orchestra, directed by Joel Hillan and Christina Bishop, associate director.
Written and composed by a young Mormon composer, Rob Gardner, “Lamb of God” is an
oratorio based on New Testament accounts of the final days of the life of Jesus Christ, His
Atonement and His Resurrection. Portrayed by soloist it is a musical retelling of these events as
seen through the eyes of those who knew and loved Him best. However, the composer felt it
would be inappropriate and a difficult task to have a soloist sing the part of the Savior. He
chose instead to give musical expression to the Savior by way of a solo cello.
These concert performances are produced by Cornerstone Productions, Ltd., a nonprofit
corporation founded for the purpose of producing musical and other events that teach, uplift,
edify and inspire. James Miller, founder and president has said, I was first introduced to this
music by my daughter who sang in a performance of “Lamb of God” in Salt Lake City. “When I
heard it that first time, I knew that it must be presented here in Denver”.
Gardner wrote on his website in 2009, the year before “Lamb of God” debuted, that he had
been thinking about the composition since 2000, but it eluded him quite a while “due to its
profound subject matter and fear that I won’t do it justice. You see, this piece is about the
Savior and will focus on his final hours, the Atonement and Resurrection, and specifically on the
hope it offers.”
Born out of a need to proclaim the divinity and gospel of Jesus Christ through great music, the
COLORADO MORMON CHORALE was established in 1983 as a premier-quality chorus of mixed
voices drawn from the greater Denver area and Northeastern Colorado.
The Chorale is an ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denver and the
State of Colorado, and operates at the direction of appointed Church officers. The Chorale is an
auditioned choir made up entirely of volunteers that come from all walks of life. Under the
baton of six different conductors, and the leadership of seven diverse presidents, the Chorale
has grown to be a recognizable force in the community, enabling all who listen to enjoy the
Spirit that accompanies uplifting music.
The Chorale, singing year 'round, has presented over 600 performances, from its annual
Christmas concerts to Colorado Rockies National Anthems, from annual appearances for the
Celebration of Families-Students, Inc. at New Hope Baptist Church to frequent appearances in a
number of local communities. The Chorale has performed with local choruses and orchestras,
such as the Boulder Chorale, the Colorado Hebrew Chorale, the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra,
various children's choruses, and the Denver Pops Orchestra. The Chorale operates as a nonprofit organization.
Roger Gallup the President of the Chorale is delighted about the opportunity to perform at
Trinity United Methodist Church as well as the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. The
Newman Center made available the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall for last year’s
performances of ”Lamb of God” despite a crowded schedule and was excited invite us back this
year. Trinity provides an exceptional venue that will seat approximately 1100 people. Gallup
said, “Something wonderful happens when that kind of collective comes together to experience
the message of hope having to do with the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior.”
Member of the Chorale and various soloists have expressed gratitude to be a part of this
production of “Lamb of God”, stating “It gives us the opportunity to sing our testimony of our
Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ”. One returning member of the orchestra, a professional
musician not a member of the LDS faith, describes that he has played all kinds of music over his
many years as a musician but none ever made him feel quite this good inside.
The performance schedule is: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway, Denver, at
7:30 pm on March 11th and 12th, and Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave,
Denver at 7:30 pm on March 15th, 16th and 17th. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.lambofgodco.org.