“Lamb of God” performance brings Valley Christians together

This year, there’s a new way to celebrate Easter in the Valley.

On March 22, an interdenominational group of musicians will perform Rob Gardner’s work, “The Lamb of God,” presenting the last week of Jesus’ life through the eyes of those who knew Him with fresh, modern music.

Featured soloists will portray the roles of Peter, Thomas, Mary Magdalene, and Martha, among others. The choir sets the tone with choral music in both English and Aramaic, accompanied by a full orchestra.

At the helm of the production is director Christina Hardman. Hardman is no stranger to music in the valley—she grew up here, participating in many musical endeavors at Colony High School. After returning to the valley in 2014, she became the music teacher at Big Lake Elementary School, where countless students have been learning from her ever since.

Hardman was recruited as director by a team of local organizers who had been attempting to bring the work to the Valley for a few years.

“The Lamb of God oratorio has provided another avenue for the amazing musicians of our community to gather, to celebrate, and to share our faith through this refreshing and powerful music,” Hardman said. “It has been a tender mercy for me to see it come together. While many of our community have never heard this music before, it will certainly not easily be forgotten.”

The Lamb of God was first performed in 2010. Unlike older works, including The Messiah, most of the performers of The Lamb of God have never performed—or even heard—the work prior to this year. One such vocalist was Jimmy O’Rourke, who lends his tenor voice to the choir and also portrays Pontius Pilate.

O’Rourke said that after being a busy stay-at-home dad for the past few years, this is the first time he’s been involved in a community musical endeavor---but it won’t be the last.

“I love it,” O’Rourke said. “I connect with music in a very spiritual way—it’s part of my being.”

The Lamb of God, O’Rourke explained, is a detailed look at Christ’s most sacred act: the atonement. He especially loves that the story is told through the eyes of the people around Him.

“This is how they were feeling: just like us. They had the same worries, faults, and shortcomings, but also the same passions.”

Hardman agreed. “Some of the most beautiful solos and poignant, spirit-filled moments are sung by people in Christ’s life…that are often remembered for their faults. To me, that means we all will have faults and imperfections, but that doesn’t stop us from growing testimonies despite, or even through, our imperfections. It doesn’t hold us back from becoming closer to Christ.”

O’Rourke said he particularly identifies with the character of Thomas, who struggles to believe that Christ has been resurrected without seeing the marks on his hands.

“He sees the Lord, and cries, ‘never let me fall away again!’” O’Rourke said. “His journey is my journey.”

Peter’s three denials and his struggle to come to terms with his actions are also detailed.

“What have I done?” cries Peter, voiced by tenor Keith Kenley, “As thou hast taken stripes for me, can I not take but one for Thee?”

The part of Jesus Christ is played, not by a vocalist, but by a single cello soloist. The orchestra, made up of many familiar faces from musicians accompanying productions across the Valley, lays the backdrop, setting the emotional tone for the work. Hardman said she has enjoyed working with such talented and dedicated musicians, vocalists and instrumentalists alike, over the past several months.

Hardman and O’Rourke urged the community to make time to see the performance.

“(This) will be a wonderful way for our community to celebrate Easter and join together in our faith in, and testimony of, Jesus Christ,” Hardman said. “I am so honored to get to present it to our community.”

“Come and see,” O’Rourke said. “It’s such an incredible piece, so astounding—it’s a wonderful way to spend the Passover season.”

While this is the first time Lamb of God will be performed in our community, it will not be the last. If you would like to participate in future productions or want more information, email matsulambofgod@gmail.com.

The Lamb of God will be performed on March 22, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wasilla, 821 E Dellwood St. It will be presented at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served.

Rachel Kenley Fry is a local mom, singer, writer, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.