October 18, 2017
Susquehanna University and WVIA Public Media will mark the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation with the concert This is My Song: 500 Years of the Reformation on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
The concert, featuring Susquehanna music ensembles and filmed on location at Susquehanna University and in St. Anne’s Church in Augsburg, Germany, will air on WVIA-TV. Encores will air on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.
It was 500 years ago when Martin Luther-German professor of theology, composer, priest and monk-nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, igniting one of the greatest religious and cultural upheavals in human history.
One of Luther’s reforms was the renewed emphasis on congregational singing. Luther himself wrote about three dozen hymns and sought to position music at the forefront of the religious service.
“The Reformation had a profound impact on the musical world. This concert presents music that is not only beautiful but also historically significant,” said David Steinau, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music at Susquehanna. “Three of our students had the privilege of filming their narrations on location in Germany, so the whole experience has been remarkable.”
This is My Song: 500 Years of the Reformation is a concert of music based on, or inspired by, hymn tunes, including a brand-new setting of three hymns for choir and orchestra written especially for Susquehanna.
The program features the Susquehanna University Choir, Chamber Singers, Chorale, Orchestra, Wind and Brass ensembles.
“We are proud to be partnering with Susquehanna University in bringing this concert event to our viewers,” said Tom Curra, president/CEO and executive producer at WVIA.