The concert program of Easter Celebration by UPH Symphony Orchestra and Choir features many outstanding evergreen symphonic classics such as Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) Coriolan Overture op. 62, Peter Warlock (1894 – 1930) Capriol Suite and most notably a tone poem Finlandia op. 26 by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865 – 1957). Written in 1899 as one of the music pieces for accompaniment of tableau, a theatrical performance depicting scenes of Finnish history, inspired by wave of patriotism spreading across Finland opposing rule of Russian Empire, it became quickly popular in Finland and all over the world as standalone music piece. Due to its patriotic character it has become an unofficial anthem of Finland. However the signature melody of Finlandia has been used in many church songs and for official anthem of former African state of Biafra (1967 – 1970, Land of the Rising Sun).

The choir performance will begin with the salvation story by Jesus Christ on the cross during the second half of the Easter Celebration concert. This wonderful salvation story represents in a beautiful choral piece Born to Die to Set us Free by David C. Dickau. The crucifixion story ends with Jesus’ prayer to the Father before his final breath on the cross. The solemn and peaceful choral piece Indodana, that is taken from the traditional isiXhosa song and arranged by Michael Barrett and Ralf Schmitt, shows the dark solemnity of Christ’s obedience and submission to God the Father.

Christ is figuratively pictured as the Lamb of God, as Georges Bizet describes in his choral piece Agnus Dei. The great example of Jesus Christ and his Death grants salvation to all people who belongs to Christ. The salvation that Jesus Christ has purchased through his death on the cross is performed out of his love to us. Thus, it is appropriate to us to give our love and life back to God. The song To Love Our God by Mark Hayes encourages us to dedicate our lives solely to God who has paid all our debts.

Because of Christ’s salvation assurance, we may firmly welcome death with joyful expectation. The picture of joyful death expectation is dramatically shown in a choral piece Come Sweet Death (Bach Again) by J. S. Bach. This joyous life in Christ is also empowered by the love of God that is described in a choral piece Even When He is Silent by Kim André Arnesen. The song exclaims that even when God is silent, it does not mean that he abandons us. In contrast, God still shows His everlasting love and mercy to his people even in His silent answer. His love endures forever as the Psalmist proclaim. Therefore, they will continuously have hope and strength during sufferings and difficulties.

Christ has paid all our ransoms and died on the cross for all our sins. We must response this saving Grace of Christ with shout of joy and praise. This celebration event is clearly described by the two choral pieces: Every Time I Feel the Spirit (a Negro Spiritual song) and O Sifuni Mungu (Praise God) arranged by David Maddux. The final choral piece of the Easter Concert performs by orchestra and all choruses, is Hallelujah chorus by G. F. Handel (from the oratorio work of Messiah) that joyful and celebratory ends the Easter Celebration Concert until the final day when Jesus Christ returns.