RUPERT—Grammy-nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker will take her “Inspire” concert to Rupert this month, combining music and messages of faith in a performance aimed at uplifting all in attendance.
The performance will take place April 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the historic Wilson Theatre. Blending live music with storytelling, the production features compositions by Emmy Award–winning composer Kurt Bestor, paired with a script by Jason F. Wright and narration from actor Ben Lomu to guide audiences through the night.
“It's got lots of really great favorites like ‘Sound of Music’ and ‘Bring Him Home,’ ‘Defying Gravity,’ ‘Mary Poppins,’ ‘Sweet Child of Mine,’ and ‘Yesterday’ by the Beatles. Some religious favorites like ‘I Stand All Amazed’ and ‘How Great Thou Art,’” Baker said. “So, it's a really beautiful, soul-filling show just to rejuvenate all of us.”
From showtunes and rock to gospel hymns, the show will feature a bit of everything—but serves one purpose: to inspire attendees.
“I think I really zeroed in that Heavenly Father wanted me to perform music that brings people, you know, helps them feel the spirit even stronger than they might have felt otherwise at times,” Baker said.
Baker began playing the violin at the age of four when her mother noticed she had a talent for music. She went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School, where she began recording albums with Deseret Book. Baker said she has always felt her talent was given to her to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
“It was very clear that Heavenly Father had something in store for me and wanted me to use my gifts to bring people closer to him,” Baker said.
Since then, Baker has been featured on numerous soundtracks, performed with well-known symphonies and orchestras, and released 19 albums with Shadow Mountain Records.
She is currently on tour, finishing up two shows in Utah this week, and preparing to release a new album on April 10.
“It's called ‘American Mosaic,’” Baker said. “It's this really great album in honor of America's 250th and [it will be] available on streaming platforms.”
For those in Rupert, this performance offers a unique opportunity to experience Baker’s latest music live. Tickets for “Inspire” are available now on the Wilson Theatre website, with shows scheduled at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on April 25. Audiences can expect an evening of stirring music, uplifting storytelling and a performance that leaves the whole family inspired.