A Lorax-less Lenten Concert Article

It’s a royal, golden new era for Regent University, and no, I’m not talking about the Lorax-torture some people call “breaking ground on the Athletic Facility.” Regent’s 2025 Lenten Concert, a two-part performance of Giovanni Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Bach’s Cantata No. 78 (Jesu, der du meine Seele), was a smashing success. I missed this past year’s Winter Concert in a bout of senioritis-induced finals stress, but I understand that the very elements of the Lenten Concert that so impressed me made a first appearance last concert. A full chamber orchestra and a talented line-up of soloists carried both of these performances, allowing the Regent University Chorale to shine while presenting the clearest of visions for the development of Regent’s music program. 

Ms. Emily Hogan, a member of the Chorale, explained to me, “It’s not Regent students in the orchestra… but we’re hoping to one day actually have a Regent Orchestra. Right now, it’s like a sneak peak into the future of the program.” She also mentioned the possibility of a student band for Regent sporting events – which is incredible, don’t get me wrong – yet I find that the Athletics Facility is once again rearing its silver mane, and so, I will move on. They may take my money, but demand space in this column? Never.

The two Baroque pieces included in the concert were well chosen: traditional prayers of the season of Lent made all the more beautiful by their musical character. Ms. Elizabeth Fisher, also part of the Chorale, expressed, “we got to sit with and pray through Bach’s piece as we learned it… to worship through it together.” Recognizing these great works of musical art as the contemporary Christian worship of their own time is rare in secular performances, and it is intensely moving that Regent’s Chorale engages with such pieces as they actually are: prayers.