2026 Lamb of God Easter Oratorio

DATE, TIME & LOCATION:

MARCH 29, 2026

6PM — doors open at 5:30

Oroville State Theater

1489 Myers Street

Oroville, CA

NOTES:

1. Donation Receipts are printed in the form of a ticket, but CANNOT be used as a performance ticket. Performance Tickets must be obtained separately from Donation Tickets. Thank you.

2. If you accidentally place an order in error OR you find you cannot use your tickets, please be so kind as to send an email to [email protected] so that those tickets can be made available to someone else. Thank you.

BACKGROUND:

This Easter, the Temple Hill Choir celebrates the gift of life, a tradition established in Oakland in 2011. This joyful effort expresses beautiful music and sense of giving within the community, fostering friendships among the churches.

Rob Gardner's Lamb of God is a modern masterpiece that brings the story and meaning of Easter alive. The songs tell the story of the final days of Christ's life leading to the Savior's crucifixion and resurrection. The story unfolds through the eyes of his followers, including Peter, John, Mary the Mother, and Martha. When writing the music, Mr. Gardner knew that he did not want someone on the stage physically portraying the part of Jesus. Instead, the cello soloist is used to represent Christ. The voice of the cello becomes the actions and words of Jesus. The style of the oratorio is somewhat similar to the ensemble style of the music of Les Mis and the choir and instruments are as much a part of telling the story as the soloists. When finished with their solos, those singers become "part of the crowd," rejoining the choir as one of the disciples or onlookers of the events.

Mr. Gardner based the words of the oratorio on the King James version of the Holy Bible, but also uses each soloist's character to share some insight into how they view themselves in relationship to Jesus and to what Jesus taught them.

When asked to share his feelings about his experience conducting this musical masterpiece, Alan Chipman replies, "I have been directing choirs, orchestras and musical performances for over 50 years, both religious and secular. No music we have ever performed has more meaningful impact on the heart and soul as Rob Gardner's Lamb of God. The words are precious. The music touches the spirit of all who hear it. The message testifies of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross and atonement for all mankind. What a beautiful Easter musical experience for me to stand in front of the choir and orchestra and hear this powerful message."

That's just part of the story. During the audition and rehearsal process, people are moved and inspired far more than ever expected. Many who may be feeling pain or affliction find themselves comforted and healed through the spirit of the music. Audiences and participants' families are also moved. People contribute their time and talents. Even the composer relinquishes his copyrights. Diversity holds hands, embracing humanity. Good begets more good. Come get some for yourself during one of three performances this Easter season, starting this coming Palm Sunday.

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Host or Publisher Temple Hill Choir