April 17th at 4:00 p.m. The St. Cletus Fine Arts Series will host an encore presentation of A Jazz Passion: Victorious, Eternal, Light. The story begins with Jesus Temptation in the Wilderness and concludes with the Crucifixion and Resurrection, set to Jazz Music.
This staged production features a 12-piece jazz orchestra, soloists and choir. Professional jazz instrumentalists performing in the ensemble include Jerry Coleman, Stew Miller, Ken Jandes, Tim Coffman, John Blane, Pat Ferreri, Jerry DeMuzio, Geraldo DeOliviera and Mark Olen along with Passion composers Bobby Lewis, Bobby Schiff, Andy Tecson. The libretto was written by Pastor David Abrahamson of Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Chicago. Justin Sisul, director of music at St. Cletus Church in LaGrange, will be the conductor.
Bob Bowker sings the part of Jesus with Daniel Riley as Pilate, Dawn Holt Lauber as Pilate's wife and Gayle Bisesi as the Tempter. Members of the Lakeside Singers of Chicago form the choir.
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This may be the first setting of the Passion of Christ to jazz music. This original work tells the story of the last days of Christ’s life, starting with the temptation of Christ in the wilderness and ending with His resurrection. Pastor Abrahamson’s text reveals Christ’s final journey in a new and fresh light. While being completely faithful to the scriptures, his interpretation is creative and insightful. For example, in the temptation of Christ, Jesus sings: “Push me Spirit, give me shove. In the dusty wilderness, there is God’s love. For you, for me, for all, the beginning of the end of the fall.” Andy Tecson has set that text to a Latin rhythm. At the last supper, the text is built around the theme of “recall, retain, repeat, review, remember.” Bobby Schiff has set this text to a slow gospel waltz. In the triumphant finale, the text has a refrain of “It’s the grace connection, through Christ’s resurrection, for you, for me and for all.” Bobby Lewis embellishes the text with an uplifting choral and instrumental work which continually builds momentum and excitement.
Generous sponsors make it possible to offer this concert FREE TO THE PUBLIC. The production lasts approximately 75 minutes.
