From Darkness Into Light

About This Event

The Cherry Creek Chorale presents From Darkness into Light: The Soul’s Journey, a powerful concert experience centered on the music of Elaine Hagenberg, May 8 and 9, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church. This program traces a deeply human arc through wonder, longing, loss, resilience, and renewal—brought to life through Hagenberg’s evocative, emotionally direct writing.  The concert opens with Illuminare, one of Hagenberg’s most celebrated works. The Cherry Creek Chorale co-commissioned the piece, premiered it in Colorado, and later performed it at Carnegie Hall. Illuminare has since become a cornerstone of contemporary choral repertoire.  At the heart of the program is the Colorado premiere of Aeterna Via, Hagenberg’s newly composed large-scale work. Commissioned by a national consortium that includes the Cherry Creek Chorale and performed only a handful of times to date, the piece offers a sweeping, cinematic exploration of the human journey. This concert offers Denver audiences a rare opportunity to hear the work ahead of its world premiere in Paris this June, where the Chorale will perform as part of an international festival.  Hagenberg will be in attendance on Friday, May 8, joining Artistic Director and Conductor Brian Patrick Leatherman for a special Before the Baton conversation at 6:40 PM prior to the concert. The discussion will be recorded and shared at the Saturday performance, allowing audiences both evenings to engage more deeply with the music.