School of Music to present premiere concert rendition of Broadway’s ‘Amazing Grace’

The Liberty University School of Music will celebrate Homecoming Weekend and dedicate the Center for Music and the Worship Arts during a powerful night of music on Friday, Oct. 13, in the center’s concert hall, featuring the world premiere of the concert rendition of the Broadway musical “Amazing Grace” and a special performance by world-renowned composer/pianist Jan Mulder.

The event will begin with the Liberty University Symphony Orchestra and all School of Music choirs — approximately 400 vocalists — performing classic hymn and praise song arrangements, including “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and “Forevermore” by Christian artist Travis Cotrell. Dr. John Hugo, department chair in the School of Music, will also present his original work, “Lift Up Your Heads.”

Mulder, who has recorded with both the London and Moscow Symphony Orchestras and regularly draws large crowds at his classical concerts, will then perform renditions of the hymns “Love Divine All Love Excelling” and “In Christ Alone.” He was personally recommended for the event by Liberty President Jerry Falwell.

The LU School of Music Combined Choirs and LU Symphony Orchestra will perform “Amazing Grace: A Symphonic Celebration,” featuring music from the original Broadway musical “Amazing Grace.” The musical was well-received when it hit the stage in 2012. The uplifting story of redemption and grace focuses on the life of the iconic hymn’s composer, John Newton. Along with the music, Liberty’s production will also include Christopher Smith, the show’s lyricist and producer, as primary narrator.

“We are really excited about the students getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to premiere this kind of work,” said Dr. Vernon Whaley, dean of the School of Music. “It’s a huge opportunity for the school. It’s great music, with great musicians and a great message. The event will do more than entertain; it will be inspiring and spiritually motivating. The sheer amount of musical activity going on all at one time will be electrifying.”

The Center for Music and the Worship Arts

During the building dedication portion of the program, the school will recognize Construction Management Associates, who guided the building process, as well as other key players in the facility’s design and construction. The structure has already earned praise from the construction industry. Steel Erectors Association of America selected the state-of-the-art concert hall as its Class III Project of the Year in 2016. Steinway Music Company will also present a plaque recognizing Liberty as an All-Steinway School. The Center for Music and the Worship Arts is equipped with more than 120 Steinway built or engineered pianos.

“The purpose of our dedication is to thank God for what He has done and then dedicate this building to Him,” Whaley said.

The 140,000-square-foot facility opened last fall. In addition to the 1,600-seat concert hall, the building houses 45 teaching studios complete with piano, songwriting, and music computer labs.

With up to 700 performers gracing the stage next weekend, Whaley said the event will demonstrate how far the School of Music has grown since it formed in 2012. The School of Music is now the nation’s seventh largest and houses some of the most popular and fastest-growing degree programs on campus, with over 1,450 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. It was ranked the top Christian College Music Program of 2016-17 by Christian Universities Online and has been named one of the “Best of the Best” worship programs in the country by Worship Leader Magazine for the last five years.

The Homecoming concert and dedication event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets are required (student, faculty and staff are $1; alumni and general admission are $5). To purchase tickets, visit the LU Ticket Office webpage or call (434) 582-7328.