6th Annual Baha'i Choral Music Festival Choir - Sacred Songs VI

In May 2012, more than 200 singers gathered at the Hilton Orrington in Evanston, Illinois, to begin learning nine sacred, a cappella songs that would be presented to the public within three days at the Bahá'í House of Worship for the North American Continent in Wilmette, Illinois. -This was the Sixth Annual Bahá'í Choral Festival, and we were hoping that it would be the best of the series. Singers came from nine countries and from over 36 U.S. states, and the concert included a variety of music ranging from Negro Spirituals to classical compositions. This year, for the first time, the choir included many singers with little prior experience. Since singers are not required to be able to read music, much of the music had to be taught by alternate methods, such as streaming rehearsals online, making parts available as digital audio files, sending written music, and much prayer. - The singers ranged from highly trained musicians to those who grew up singing in their churches. The group represented diversity in so many ways! Young and old, Black and White, European, African and Asian, from different economic backgrounds and with different physical challenges. Many of the participants had never met each other or sung together before. Our bond was our getting to know each other as we learned and refined these sacred songs with their compelling message about an All Powerful God Who loves us and wants us all to live together in peace and harmony. -There was no doubt we all loved the music and were thrilled to spend those precious days singing together. We were especially pleased to welcome several singers who were not members of the Bahá'í Faith into the choir. This recording was made during the two live concerts held on Sunday, May 27, 2012, with the music as we sang it from our hearts. We hope you will enjoy it!