Nearly 1,800 attended local ‘Lamb of God’ production

Photos courtesy of Shari Hanson Photography

Nearly 1,800 people of different faith groups came together April 12 and 13 for three performances of Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God.”

The performances took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3001 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, near Windermere.

This musical portrays the final days of the life of Jesus Christ starting with the raising of Lazarus, the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus and His glorious resurrection. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cooperated with Harmony of Faith, a non-profit organization which brings together musicians of different faiths to provide faith-based music to the community, in co-hosting this local production. 

“The central message of ‘Lamb of God’ is that there is hope in this world,” Zach Tanner, artistic director for Harmony of Faith and conductor for this local production, said. “That is something that transcends doctrine and creed, and something the world desperately needs right now. We want people to walk away feeling hope, which is a powerful thing.”

About 100 people from several different faith groups joined together in the cast, choir and orchestra.

“Participating in this production this Easter season helped me focus less on the commercial aspect of Easter and instead focus on Jesus Christ and His literal resurrection,” Winter Garden resident and “Lamb of God” choir member Amanda Lake said. “ It was also special for our children to be able to attend and learn about the Easter story, as well.”

The local production was a star-studded cast of both professional and amateur musicians, each of whom who participated as unpaid volunteers. Local “Lamb of God” production orchestra member and cello soloist Chris Morgan plays bass for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The role of Peter was played by Grammy Award winner and director and CEO of Opera Orlando Gabriel Preisser. 

“I’m humbled to be able to perform the role of Peter in this work in my hometown for the first time,” Preisser said. “I’ve had the privilege of performing Peter in Rob Gardner’s ‘Lamb of God’ (more than) 10 times now — from San Diego to Minneapolis to Tallahassee. This work is truly a wonderful celebration of Jesus Christ and the Easter miracle of His resurrection which brought victory over the grave to us all.”

For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints click here.

For more information about Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God,” click here.

For more information about Harmony of Faith, click here.