From Darkness into Light: The Soul’s Journey | The Music of Elaine Hagenberg

Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/08/2026 - 05/09/2026
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location
Bethany Lutheran Church

Categories

This concert marks the Colorado premiere of Aeterna Via, a major new choral work by acclaimed composer Elaine Hagenberg, who will be in attendance for the Friday, May 8 performance. Five years ago, the Cherry Creek Chorale premiered Illuminare—first in Colorado and later at Carnegie Hall—Hagenberg’s celebrated work tracing a journey from beauty through darkness and ultimately back into light. Illuminare has since become a beloved cornerstone of the choral repertoire and will open the May program.

Aeterna Via continues Hagenberg’s exploration of the human journey, unfolding as a sweeping, cinematic arc of departure, transformation, and return. Commissioned by a national consortium of ensembles—of which the Cherry Creek Chorale is a member—this performance offers Colorado audiences a rare opportunity to hear the work ahead of its world premiere in Paris this June.

Before the Baton
On Friday, May 8, Hagenberg will join Artistic Director Brian Patrick Leatherman for a special Before the Baton pre-concert talk, held 20 minutes prior to the performance. This engaging conversation will offer insight into the inspiration and creative process behind the music, deepening your concert experience. A recording of this discussion will also be shared at Saturday’s performance.