Three years after violinist Jenny Oaks Baker debuted “The Redeemer,” she returned with more musicians and an updated concert experience Friday night.
Now dubbed “The Redeemer: A Musical Journey Through the Life of Jesus Christ,” Baker included a choir, orchestra, a narrator, soprano and tenor soloists to the show.
The performers told BYU-Idaho Radio how impactful the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah” is to them, especially when they see audience members stand in tradition and respect of Christ.
Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller, the show’s soprano soloist, said they hope the spirit that emulates from this moment is what people take away from the whole show.
“I think that’s our hope for this show,” Seegmiller said. “That everyone who comes, feels that they will be able to confess that Jesus is the Christ.”
Dallyn Vail Bayles, the show’s tenor and narrator, said he loves being a part of sacred works like “The Redeemer” because they give him the chance to share his testimony with his audience. Because he doesn’t portray a character in this performance, he said his preparation and performance is strengthened by his relationship with God.
“I take these words and make them mine because they are, they come from my heart,” Bayles said. “And that, I love. So really, my preparation is my relationship with the Savior, my feelings for Him, my love for Him, my devotion to Him and my gratitude to Him.”
Nicole Pinnell, the show’s cellist, said the most beautiful thing about being able to represent the Savior through music is the same as representing Him in everyday life.
“Every day when you’re at home talking to your kids, talking to your loved ones, making cookies for someone or talking to someone at church or at work is that the Spirit helps you to become who you need to be right then in that moment to represent Him properly,” Pinnell said. “The Lord always accomplishes His purposes and its really magnificent in this production.”
Baker said she is happy to continue the Easter season into May and the songs from “The Redeemer” are perfect for all times of the year.
“Easter is a season and even though it is after Easter, I’m grateful that we’ve made it a season through this production and being able to perform it in May and after the official Easter holiday is passed,” Baker said. “I hope people will continue this production. This music can be listened to all year. It’s not just for Easter time; it’s for our whole lives.”
To listen to the full interview with the performers of “The Redeemer” go to BYU-Idaho Radio’s Podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.