The cliché goes: "The only constant in life is change." Indeed, in the past 30-40 years computers have sprung from almost nothing into becoming the center of our activities, with a dizzying pace of development which continues. This is but one example of many ways in which so little stays the same for all of creation.
 

One thing does not change:  God.

Reflecting this unchanging, loving constant, embodied in our evolving temporal and contextual musical expression, the hymn festival program includes hymns and choral literature from a variety of times and places, from chant to chorale, from Iona to Africa - sung in interactive, creative ways by the congregation, National Lutheran Choir, inspired by instrumentalists of Lutheran Music Program, and organ and piano improvisation by Director/Organist David Cherwien. Choral literature will also be in abundance, with works by Hildegard von Bingen, Ola Gjielo, Ariel Ramiréz, Paul Manz, Charles Marie Widor, J. S. Bach, Larry L. Fleming, F. Melius Christiansen, and Alexander Archangelsky. Of special note will be two brand-new choral works, one commissioned by the NLC for this event: Paul Weber's choral setting of "With High Delight," and the 2013 Raabe Prize winner "Nada Te Turbe" by Jake Runestad. Pulling it all together in thought-provoking ways will be reflections read in person by poet/hymn writer Susan Palo Cherwien.

Is it a hymn program? Is it a choral concert? Is it a liturgy of sorts? It's all of these. What are you open to entering into? One thing we hope for: that you join us for this journey.

The Summer 2013 Region 4 newsletter has been posted. Although this newsletter has some items that are specific to Region 4, all ALCM members will find valuable information. This is "An Advent/Christmas Feature Issue."