CREATIVE ORATORIO

 Everyone has heard the hymn “Amazing Grace.” But not everyone has heard the story behind the hymn.

John Newton was a slaver whose life transformed dramatically when he became a Christian. He became a pastor and ardent abolitionist. To commemorate the 300th anniversary of his birth, Minneapolis-based composer Josh Bauder wrote a new oratorio telling Newton’s amazing grace story.

Newton will be presented October 3 and 4 under the direction of composer-conductor Josh Bauder. It can be seen on Saturday, October 3, at Bethel University and Sunday, October 4, at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. The Saturday performance will be in Benson Hall at 7:00 p.m. and the Sunday performance will take place at 3:00 p.m.

The oratorio is sponsored by the Christian non-profit LimbFit and will be presented by Deo Cantamus of Minnesota. It features Gerard Sundberg as Newton and Tim Sawyer as William Cowper along with the chorus and orchestra.

The long-time friendship between John Newton and the poet William Cowper resulted in their collaboration on the Olney Hymns. In addition to “Amazing Grace” you will hear familiar hymns like “There Is a Fountain” and “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.”

For more information and tickets go to newtonconcert.com.