together—the goosebumps of finally hearing each phrase and bar connect into a glorious and meaningful musical whole. And above all else, I remember opening night. What a night. For the first time, with the powerful drone of the organ, the bold-throated cello, and the feverish laughter of the violins, it all came together. This was more than a performance. It was a message about pain and failure and suffering—but more so, about hope, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. A piece of biblical history from thousands of years ago spoke to me freshly that evening. I had heard the story of Abraham hundreds of times, but never set in this way, and never so clearly tying this story in Genesis back to the redemptive salvation offered in the New Testament through Christ. The words came off the page with new life.

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   This is what sets Deo Cantamus apart. In a state with rich choral heritage, several organizations offer musical excellence. Deo Cantamus offers this too. But with Deo Cantamus, the music is more than academic, aesthetic, or technically proficient. It is meaningful. Members of the chorale believe the message of hope that was shared during Abraham, and the chorale’s genuine, whole-hearted faith shines through in each note, each work, and each program. That is the reason why I love this organization, and I hope that as you hear the harmonic testimony of this wonderful group of musicians, your heart will be touched too. I look forward to seeing you at our next concert. Soli Deo Gloria!