CREATIVE PRAISE

 When the entire audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation, praise did not seem to be directed at the production, but at God Himself. Our hearts had been lifted toward the Almighty through the story, the lyrics, and the music itself. He alone deserved all the honor and glory.

“Newton,” a new oratorio based on the lives of John Newton, William Cowper, and their contemporaries, was the production we had just heard. Composed, orchestrated, and conducted by Josh Bauder, the oratorio featured thirty-nine scenes. The life stories of Newton, Cowper, Wesley, Scott and Wilberforce awakened in each listener an appreciation of the transforming power of the work of God in the lives of men. Slave trader, drunkard, prodigal, and a man battling extreme depression found forgiveness and strength through God’s amazing grace.

The full-bodied sounds of the orchestra supported the excellent vocal solos and choir. The libretto written by Bauder provided humor and pathos as well as historical accuracy. As the composer said in the program, “God is faithful and powerful to save the wicked, to preserve the despairing, and to persuade the cynical.”

Hopefully this will not be the only performance of this outstanding new oratorio. Audiences far and wide need to be impacted by such creative praise. God’s “Amazing Grace” deserves all honor and glory, and the performance of “Newton” certainly accomplished that goal.