By Elizabeth James
George Washington: Ordained of God, performed by the Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society in Sandy and Salt Lake City, is a breath of fresh air. I walked in not knowing what to expect and I left a changed person. It’s a choral performance with some narration of George Washington’s life and some soloist singers playing the parts of characters from the time of the Revolutionary War. It was so moving. It is the perfect way to get into the Independence Day spirit.
George Washington: Ordained of God was directed and conducted by Sherri Jensen. Jensen deserves to be acknowledged for the passion she has for this performance. She is conducting even after having lost a spinal disk. She has to sit down while conducting, but George Washington: Ordained of God is very important to her. She wants to awaken her audience “to what we are blessed to have as Americans and the miracles that have occurred to give us . . . freedom.” She has worked so hard to make this a memorable experience.
The composers of this performance—Jacob Lives, Travis Lunt, and Tyler Teerlink—created an amazing composition of music and songs. I had goosebumps for the majority of the performance. My favorite songs were “This Man,” “Is it Vain,” “Prayer at Valley Forge,” “How Can This Cause Go On?” and “The Washington’s at Valley Forge.” Corey Morris (Grand Sachem) opens with “This Man.” Morris’s voice is amazing. He was the first one to give me goosebumps. I wish I had a recording of his song; it was so beautiful. Serena Mackerell (Martha Washington) has the voice of an angel. In my notes I wrote “heavenly” with a heart drawn next to it. She has a stirring performance and a majestic role as Washington’s equally capable companion. Austin Larsen (George Washington) also had a stirring performance. He portrays the suffering of George Washington so convincingly—it was hard not to cry along with him.
This review wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the talents of the choir and the orchestra. They brought the whole performance to life. I can’t imagine how much work they put into making this work what it is. They melded well, though I wish I could have heard the choir a little better. The parts that I could hear from them were beautiful. Overall, David Jensen and Rex Pickett did a great job with the sound. The production team also contributed a lot to bringing this performance to life. Gail Johnson, Jan Duffin, and Lynn Tusiesenia made such fun costumes. There are so many talented people that have assisted in making George Washington: Ordained of God a success.
Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society is a unique team, perfect for bringing this work to life. They are united in purpose as they work together to make George Washington: Ordained of God a memorable acknowledgement of the miracles that surrounded our founding father George Washington and the dedication he had to have to bring the dream for liberty to life. I came out of this performance a changed person. I have moments of depression that stifle my ability to move forward in life. George Washington: Ordained of God shows that heroes are heroes because of the trials that they go through, and they come out triumphant because of their courage. Washington had great courage and faith that made America what it is today. Jensen’s goal is that her audience “will leave [as] changed individual[s] in how [they] view our country, our freedoms and the role the hand of God has played in giving us these freedoms.” Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society has certainly accomplished that with me. I walked out of there feeling braver and blessed. George Washington: Ordained of God will touch the hearts of many and bring more gratitude for the many freedoms we are blessed to have. There are two performances left, so please don’t miss it!
Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society Presents George Washington: Ordained of God
Waterford School, 1480 E 9400 S Sandy, Utah and Abravenal Hall, 123 W S Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah
June 27-29 and July 3, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $10-$25
Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society Facebook Page
George Washington: Ordained of God Facebook Event
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