This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
STATE COLLEGE — For more than a decade, the Lenten Ecumenical Choir has brought people together through music, faith and a spirit of inclusivity. This week, the choir will take its message to one of the world’s most iconic stages at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at 1 p.m.
Started by Laurel Sanders, the choir is a seven-week project that gathers singers of all skill levels from Centre County and beyond. What started as a local initiative rooted in faith and music education has grown into a vibrant tradition that now includes a prestigious invitation.
“This choir was born out of my heart,” Sanders said. “Music is very important to me. Faith is very important to me. And education is very important to me.”
Sanders’ goal was to create a welcoming environment where individuals, regardless of denomination or even a formal faith background, could unite through sacred music. By focusing on shared experiences rather than differences, the choir seeks to bridge gaps and foster understanding.
“We focus so much on where we’re different, but we’re so similar in so many things,” Sanders said. “When you get people together in a room, really, they have much more in common in most cases than differences, and we need to be together as people to remember that.”
Each spring, singers embark on a musical and spiritual journey, culminating in a free community concert at Grace Lutheran Church in State College. This year’s centerpiece is “Requiem,” composed by Michael John Trotta. Sanders said that when she first heard the piece, she was deeply moved and felt called to teach it, despite the challenge of preparing a choir that includes members who are new to music alongside lifelong musicians.
“Getting all the notes and rhythms right is not making music. That’s just getting all the notes and rhythms right,” Sanders said. “You have to dig deeply in your heart for the meaning of the music. You need to lead so others who haven’t had that experience can have a deeper experience and start to enjoy the music and its meaning in a way they’ve never experienced before.”
The choir’s model encourages seasoned musicians to mentor newcomers, ensuring a supportive environment where growth is both musical and personal.
“We need to learn how to not segregate ourselves,” she said. “We need to learn how to be on the same boat, swimming the same water in the same direction. And it’s okay to acknowledge that we’re not the same.”
The Lenten Ecumenical Choir’s impact extends beyond music. Many members have formed strong friendships through the group, with some only seeing each other during the annual rehearsals. The response has been overwhelming, Sanders said, as members eagerly anticipate each new season.
Adding to this year’s excitement is the invitation from Trotta himself. After briefly working with the choir in 2019 for a performance of his “Seven Last Words,” Trotta recognized the group’s dedication and heart. When organizing the Carnegie Hall concert, Trotta personally invited Sanders and her choir to participate.
Sanders initially expressed concerns to Trotta about the varying skill levels among her singers. Trotta reassured her, stating he wanted representation from choirs across the country, not just professional ensembles.
“His answer was, ‘I want all people. I want to include all people,’” Sanders said. “And that says very much about the composer.”
The Carnegie Hall performance will feature choirs from Oklahoma, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The concert highlights include Trotta’s Requiem and the world premiere of his “Five Psalms,” alongside John Leavitt’s “Missa Festiva” and McDavitt’s “Three Memories.” It will mark a monumental moment for many of Sanders’ singers, some of whom had never dreamed they would one day perform at such a renowned venue.
While each year’s Lenten project is different to avoid comparisons between seasons, Sanders sees this opportunity as another chapter in the choir’s ongoing mission which is to welcome, to uplift and to remind participants and audiences alike of the powerful ties that bind communities together.
When asked what she would say to someone unsure about joining due to a lack of musical training or religious affiliation, Sanders offered a simple, heartfelt answer:
“I do whatever I can to make sure that everyone feels welcomed, both musically and in their faith journeys.”
For more information about the Lenten Ecumenical Choir and upcoming events, visit Grace Lutheran Church’s website at glcpa.org
