Belmont University School of Music
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 5:00 PM
MCAFEE CONCERT HALL
Belmont University School of Music presents
Chamber Singers & University Singers
“Love is the Key”
Deen Entsminger, conductor
Jane Warren, conductor
Chamber Singers
Deen Entsminger, conductor
Sicut Cervus
I meant to do my work today
Genetics
Faith Cordle**, piano
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
Deen Entsminger* (b. 1950)
Lloyd Robb (1930-2012)
Rejoice in the Lamb Benjamin Britten (1912-1976)
Andrew Risinger*, organ
The Best of All
Hold me, Rock me
That Lonesome Road
Faith Cordle**, piano
Deen Entsminger* (b. 1950)
Brian Tate (b. 1954)
James Taylor (b. 1948)
If Ye Love Me
University Singers
Jane Warren, conductor
Thomas Tallis (c. 1767-1830)
Rejoice in the Lord Alway Anonymous (late 16th century)
V. Woman in a Rding Hat (L’Amazone)
Andrew Weiler** from Visions
Andrew Wieler**, piano
Ubi Caritas
Let My Love Be Heard
Andrew Wieler**, piano
Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978)
Jake Runestad (b. 1986)
Blues Harmonics Traditional
Kiersi Wisecarver**, harmonica
My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord
Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
Music Down in My Soul Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
Andrew Wieler**, piano
*School of Music Faculty
**School of Music Student
Program Notes
University Singers
Tonight, we gather in the wonderful acoustic of the McAfee Concert Hall to continue our exploration of music of peace, love and hope which was initiated in our February Concert for Peace at the Fisher Center. This program traces a journey of Christian faith, beginning with music
from the 16th century that encourages rejoicing, trusting and resting in God’s peace. Themes of unity and compassion emerge as more personal reflections give voice to longing, comfort, and hope in music from contemporary choral composers. Two members of our University Singers community share their original music, reinforcing the importance of the shared human experience. Spirituals and gospel-inspired works round out our program with a vibrant expression of lived faith anchored, joyful, and resilient culminating in a true sense of joy, peace, love and hope that transcends understanding.
Texts. Translations, and Composer Biographies
University Singers
If Ye Love Me
If ye love me, keep my commandments And I will pray the Father
And he shall give you another comforter That he may bide with you forever E’en the spirit of truth
The text of this well known example of Tudor church music is based on John 14:15–17.
One of the most important English composers of the Renaissance period, Thomas Tallis (c. 15051585) was a major figure in the sacred choral music of England. He served in the Chapel Royal under four monarchs Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I skillfully adapting his music to the changing religious climate of Tudor England. Tallis is especially admired for his rich choral writing, his influence on English church music, and his lasting impact on composers who followed him, particularly his student Willam Byrd.
Rejoice in the Lord Alway
Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice. Let your softness be known unto all men: the Lord is c'en at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in all prayer and supplication, Let your petitions be manifest unto God with giving of thanks. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, Keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesu. Amen.
The anonymous sixteenth-century anthem “Rejoice in the Lord Alway” was formerly attributed to John Redford (c.1500-1547) and is a setting of Philippians 4:4-7. The attribution is unsubstantiated, however, and the anthem has no known composer. It first appeared in the Mulliner Book, which was printed during the third quarter of the sixteenth century and which is a collection of keyboard pieces. approximately half of which are transcriptions of choral pieces. Words were restored to some of the pieces, including “Rejoice in the Lord Alway,” at a later date.
Bio courtesy of Dennis Schrock
Ubi Caritas
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Where charity and love are, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where charity and love are, God is there.
“Ubi Caritas” is a Gregorian chant that is believed to have originated between 300 and 100 CE. Both the music and text of the chant have been widely adopted by composers.
Norwegian composer and pianist Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) studied composition at the Juilliard School and currently resides Laguna Niguel, California. With over 250 streams, he is an exclusive Decca Classics artist and his choral albums include “Ola Gjeilo,” “Winter Songs,” & “Dreamweaver,” featuring Tenebrae, Voces8, and the Choir of Royal Holloway.
Bio courtesy of olagjeilo.com
Let My Love Be Heard
Angels, where you soar up to God’s own light Take my own lost bird on your hearts tonight; And as grief once more mounts to heaven and sings Let my love be heard Whispering in your wings
Based on the poem, “A Prayer” by Alfred Noyes (1880 -1958) and originally composed for Choral Arts (Seattle) and UMKC Conservatory Singers in 2014.
Jake Runestad (b. 1986) is an American composer and conductor known for vivid, expressive works for choir, orchestra, wind ensemble, and opera. Born in Rockford, Illinois, he studied at Winona State University and later earned a master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory, where he worked with composer Kevin Puts. His music is performed widely and has earned major honors, including an Emmy Award and Grammy nominations.
Bio courtesy of jakerunestad.com
My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord
In the Lord, in the Lord, My soul’s been anchored in the Lord. Before I’d stay in hell one day, My soul’s been anchored in the Lord; I’d sing and pray myself away, My soul’s been anchored in the Lord. I’m going to pray and never stop, My soul’s been anchored in the Lord; Until I’ve reached the mountain top, My soul’s been anchored in the Lord.
Music Down in My Soul
I hear music in the air, I can feel it in the air, There must be a God somewhere! Over my head I hear music in the air, There must be a God somewhere!
I've got this music down in my soul, And it fills my heart with the joy of the Lord! I've got joy, I've got it, joy, everlasting. I've got peace, I've got it, peace, everlasting. I've got love, I've got it, love, everlasting. I've got joy, I've got it, joy, everlasting. Love in my heart,
Oh yes, I've got - Peace in my soul, Oh yes, I've got - Joy in my heart, Joy today.
Do you love the Lord? I love the Lord!
I've got joy - I've got joy, I've got peace - I've got peace, I've got love - I've got love, In my soul!
New Orleans native Moses Hogan (1957–2003) was an American composer, pianist, conductor, and arranger best known for his powerful choral settings of African American spirituals. He studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and both Oberlin and Julliard Conservatories, later becoming one of the most influential figures in modern spiritual and gospel choral music. His arrangements remain widely performed by choirs around the world.
Bio courtesy of moseshogan.com
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Christian McBride, bass with Jazz Small Group and Belmont Big Band
Sunday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
A Conversation with Rod Taylor and Christian McBride
Monday, April 20, 10:00 a.m.
Massey Concert Hall
Belmont Camerata
Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
McAfee Concert Hall
Southbound
Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
Join Belmont University’s College of Music and Performing Arts for Sounds of Belmont: The 36th Annual President’s Concert & Reception on Saturday, April 25th in the Fisher Center at Belmont University. Experience an evening of stories and songs to support our talented students. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a festive dessert reception for all guests and performers. The purchase of a ticket to this concert and reception will benefit endowed music and theatre scholarship funds for students in the college. Premier works from the College of Music and Performing Arts Fall 2025-Spring 2026 performance season will be showcased. This concert and reception is celebrating its thirty-sixth year (formerly the President’s Concert and Reception).
Reserve your tickets here
For more information on upcoming concerts and events, please visit www.belmont.edu/cmpa or “like” Belmont University School of Music on Facebook.
