On January 20, 2009, I sang for President Obama's Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square, in Washington, D.C. That was truly one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. There was so much anticipation and excitement in the church that day. There were buzzing waves of electricity in the air. I could feel the energy and attention of the entire world focusing on this one person, the President-elect, sitting only twenty yards from me. It was overwhelming.

One of the pieces we sang that morning was "Hope, Faith, Life, Love" from the cycle Three Songs of Faith by composer Eric Whitacre. I loved performing the piece, and I was shocked that I had never heard of this composer before. With all the professional choral singing that I do, how had I never sung this gorgeous music? The piece is dense; thick and heavy with hypnotic beauty. There are suspensions everywhere, which I love, and being in the middle of the sound his music creates makes you feel grounded and satisfied in a way that is difficult to describe.

Cut to April, 2011. Just today, I have discovered that Eric Whitacre is not just a composer. He is, in fact, a musical humanitarian. He has created the Virtual Choir. It may be the most extraordinary musical endeavor that I have ever heard about, and it has moved me to tears. I want to share this with everyone!

Just when it seemed like we were destined to live lives like the people in The Matrix, or Tron, with people basically living INSIDE the computers that run their lives and with music existing as a prehistoric memory, Eric Whitacre finds a way not only to embrace our digital world, but also almost literally to bring us all closer. He reminds us that music really is the universal language, the great equalizer.

"It is all about somehow connecting with these people all over the world--these individuals. Alone. Together." ~ Eric Whitacre

Virtual Choir Videos

Photos of Eric Whitacre

Share this blog post

• < Prev
• Next >