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Emily Rice, Hailey Gibb and Sarah Boss perform 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' for the Church Music Festival in 2021. © 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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By Sidney Walker, Church News
Uplifting music testifying of the Savior and children sharing their testimonies of His love highlighted the 2021 Church Music Festival on Friday, September 17.
“I know that with Him all things are possible,” a child said in an interview during the broadcast. Another said, “I’m grateful for Jesus and all of the wonderful things that He’s done for us.”
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Trinsica Tolman sings “A Missionary’s Prayer” for the 2021 Church Music Festival.© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The prerecorded, streamed event titled “Peace, Peace, Be Still” featured a variety of award-winning works from the 2019 and 2020 Church Music Submission — including arrangements for choir, instrumentalists and vocal soloists — performed by singers from the Utah Valley Institute of Religion and local musicians.
Typically held in person on Temple Square, the Church Music Festival was held virtually due to COVID-19 precautions. The 90-minute concert, which was recorded in the Tabernacle, was broadcast on ChurchofJesusChrist.org/broadcasts.
Hosted by a young Primary child named Rachel, the music festival opened with “Peace, Peace, Be Still,” text by Sally DeFord and music by Katherine Wright. Other songs performed included “Sweet Above All That Is Sweet,” “Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer,” “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted” and “Abide With Me; ’Tis Eventide.”
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Erick Mosteller sings "Sweet Above All That Is Sweet" for the Church Music Festival in 2021. © 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.As part of the broadcast, several Primary children were interviewed about how they feel about Jesus, who Joseph Smith is, what prayer means to them and which Primary songs they like best.
“He makes me feel really happy,” a young girl said of the Savior. “One time, I cried because I love Him so much.”
A young boy communicated in sign language: “He has taught us that we need to live in harmony. It doesn’t matter if we are Black or white, or if we’re deaf or if we can hear. We always need to live in harmony with each other.”
“I’m just waiting to see Him,” added another boy.
The concert also featured some Christmas songs, including “Sing Noel!” and “Once in Royal David’s City.”
The Utah Valley Institute singers concluded the broadcast with “Gloria,” text and music by Suzanne Ostler Shippen.
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The Orem Institute Chorale sings as part of the Church Music Festival in 2021.© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.A recording of the festival will be archived on Gospel Media Library for on-demand viewing. Additionally, sheet music from this concert will be made available to download for free at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/music/library/submitted-music-2012-present.
Learn more about the Church Music Submission here.
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Shayla Osborn Beck performs “A Light to the World” at the 2021 Church Music Festival.© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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