The Light of Christ Shines Brightly at Seattle’s Benaroya Symphony Hall

A spirit of unity, reverence, and community outreach filled Seattle’s Benaroya Hall on Friday, April 18, 2025. Faith leaders, civic partners, and residents from across Western Washington gathered for a special Good Friday performance of “The Redeemer: Music on the Life of Jesus the Christ.” Presented by the Ensign Symphony and Chorus, the evening was a tribute to Jesus Christ’s life, mission, and atoning sacrifice.

This concert brought together members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, interfaith leaders, and community guests from Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and beyond. Through music, visual art, and heartfelt fellowship, the evening invited all in attendance to reflect deeply on the Savior’s role as Redeemer of the world.

Featuring the compositions of Kurt Bestor, the performance included contributions from world-renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and celebrated tenor and narrator Dallyn Vail Bayles. Their artistry and testimony, conveyed through music, created a profound spiritual experience for the audience of over 1,600 attendees.

A reception preceded the concert, honoring the 2024 Light the World Giving Machine charities. Executive directors from these nonprofits were honored for their compassion and dedication to service. Guests also mingled with local Church leaders, community dignitaries, the Ensign Symphony and Chorus Board, and the evening’s performers.

Elder Jared Spataro, newly called Area Seventy, presented the Greater Puget Sound Light of Christ Award to Nickhath Sheriff. A devoted advocate and community leader with the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and founder of Essentials First, Nicky was honored for her tireless efforts in serving the region’s most vulnerable. Following the award presentation, Michael Yoder, executive director of Associated Ministries of Tacoma Pierce County, offered the invocation.

As part of the evening’s outreach, guests were given copies of “Jesus Is the Christ,” written by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, inviting them to continue reflecting on the Savior’s life, love and teachings.

Further elevating the spirit of the evening, the “Christ in Art” exhibit adorned the hall’s main floor. The collection of nine curated prints, each depicting a pivotal moment from the Savior’s life, served as both a visual prelude and postlude to the musical performance.

This Good Friday gathering not only celebrated the sacred events of Easter through music and art but also demonstrated the power of faith-centered collaboration to foster unity, uplift communities, and bear witness of Jesus Christ.