The Squamish United Church Choir kicks off Easter Week celebrations on Sunday (April 17) with a presentation of Covenant of Grace, by Joseph M. Martin.
"The performance consists of nine pieces with narration," said choir director Marilyn Caldwell. "There will also be some visuals as well, so it is a bit of a multi-media presentation. I've always wanted to use the PowerPoint with performances and include imagery."
Caldwell said Covenant of Grace covers the story of Jesus' death and resurrection from a perspective of hope.
"Sometimes people might have the perception that Holy Week is darker because of the crucifixion," she said. "The performance tells the Biblical story and the resolution of that story is about grace and hope for all people."
In addition to PowerPoint visuals, the performance will see the choir experimenting with presentation as well.
"The choir won't just be standing at the front singing as usual," she said. "For a couple of the pieces, the choir of 25 voices comes down and surrounds the congregation - singing all around."
Covenant of Grace features songs composed by Martin, as well as some "familiar pieces," according to Caldwell.
Accompanying the choir for the Sunday show is Brackendale Elementary School music teacher Julie Murakami.
"She is phenomenal," Caldwell said. "It is complicated music, so we are very lucky to have someone who can command the instrument so masterfully."
She praised the Squamish United Church as a venue for vocal performances.
"Squamish United is an old church but it has fantastic acoustics," she said. "Not all churches have such great acoustics. It will be an exciting performance."
The Squamish United Church Choir presentation of Covenant of Grace gets underway at 10 a.m. on Sunday (April 17) at Squamish United Church.
Admission is free.
