LOVE

This heartfelt choral work is a tribute to the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., centered on his message of love as a transformative and redemptive force. The piece opens with a soloist quoting a verse from the beloved spiritual “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian,” honoring Dr. King's deep love of spirituals and their ability to express hope, longing, and conviction. The piece then offers text inspired by 1 Corinthians 13 and explores the virtues of love—patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness—drawing inspiration from Dr. King's sermon “Love Your Enemies.” The following section contrasts the destructive effects of hate, capturing its capacity to divide and destroy. The text culminates in a powerful statement of affirmation, emphasizing a personal choice to choose love over hate, inspired by King’s 1967 speech “Where Do We Go From Here?”. This work is perfect for concerts focused on love, unity, and MLK Day observances.