Encountering the Divine

A Musical Expression of Faith

The Program

Franz Schubert/Franz Liszt: Ave Maria (1825/1838)

Girolamo Frescobaldi: Messa Della Domenica [selections] (1635)

Florence Price: Fantasie nègre No. 1 (1929)

Olivier Messiaen: Le baiser de l'Enfant-Jésus from Vingt regards sur l'enfant Jésus (1944)

Franz Liszt: Bénédiction de dieu dans la solitude (1853)

Steven Ricks: Reflections on Christ of Saint John of the Cross (2025)

Notes

This program explores the richness of the Christian faith through six musical expressions and denominations. Reaching as early as the “Age of Reason” and as recent as the present day, this program draws upon different eras and faith traditions to contemplate the wonder and mystery that is Christianity, and in so doing, invites the listener into a personal reflection of their own relationship to the Divine.

Through these diverse religious traditions, each composer offers spiritual wisdom and encourages us to learn from their experiences, perspectives, and faith: whether it's relying on profound faith to overcome incredible oppression (Florence Price’s arrangement of “Sinner, Please Don’t Let this Harvest Pass”), a deep expression of God’s undying love (Liszt), or discovering ecstatic wonder in the all that surrounds us (the mystical music of Messiaen), each piece has something beautiful to teach.

Concluding the program is a new work that was completed in September of 2025. Steven Ricks is a close friend and colleague, and over the last couple decades, I have enjoyed many hours discussing faith and religion with him. I have learned a lot from him, not least of which is a better understanding of my own relationship to God, and I greatly look forward to sharing this unique expression of faith.

Upcoming Performances