by Mary Jo Johnson
The power of music was on full display from May 25 to June 3 as the Cedarville University Chamber Orchestra traveled to Rome and Perugia, Italy on a mission trip through Cedarville’s Global Outreach. Under the direction of Professor Carlos Elias, eighteen string musicians shared not only the beauty of music from the classical canon, but also that of sacred musical pieces. Selections included “Be Still My Soul,” arranged by rising senior Timothy P. Barnes; “And Can It Be,” arranged by Cedarville alumnus Timothy F. Parsons; and “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” arranged by Cedarville music professor Dr. Austin K. Jaquith. Interspersed throughout each of the group’s six concerts were testimonies and readings of song lyrics. The orchestra played in a variety of venues, from evangelical churches to Perugia’s Sala dei Notari (City Hall).
The musicians grew closer as they ministered together, witnessing God’s hand at work through His gift of music. Above all, they were delighted by the privilege of interacting with audience members, both during and after the concerts. Along with several of her fellow musicians, cellist Kyra Becker especially treasures one performance in Rome. As the orchestra began playing an arrangement of “In Christ Alone” there, members of the lively audience began singing along in Italian. “It was a beautiful glimpse,” Kyra says, “into what it will be like when every tongue and every nation is confessing the same Jesus as Lord.” For all the music performed and the opportunities to share and fellowship in the good news of Jesus Christ, to God alone be the glory—Soli Deo Gloria!
Posted in: Music and Worship