The combined Madrigal Choir and Chamber Singers at Maranatha Baptist University, joined by several alumni, performed Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” this fall under the direction of Dr. Doug Bachorik. The event featured five movements that explored themes from a plea for mercy to the celebration of Christ as Savior.
The performance began with remarks from Pastor Bob Loggans and a narration by four students, setting the tone for Forrest’s first movement. The audience experienced an emotional progression through cries of “Kyrie eleison” and “Vanitas, vanitatum,” leading to a reflective third movement introduced by harp notes and soloist Alex Goodwill singing “Agnus Dei.” Student Elisabeth Lazzell also contributed as her voice joined in the final notes of this section.
The choir then transitioned into the fourth movement, “Sanctus,” with melodies intended to represent both heaven and earth. The performance concluded with Goodwill returning alongside students Hunter Weakley and Cienna Kerr. Weakley delivered the only English lines: “Come unto me all ye who labor… who are heavy laden… and I will give you rest.” Kerr echoed these words in Italian to end the piece.
Audience members responded positively to the concert. Dr. and Mrs. Marty Marriott described it as having “lifted spirits Heavenward, delighting in the glory of the Salvation that is so freely ours.” Jeff Pill said listeners were “transported to the gates of Heaven [for] a peek inside of what awaits us in eternity.”
The university community expressed gratitude for what they saw as divine support during preparations and praised God for his blessings on Maranatha Baptist University.
