The Roberts Chorale is Roberts Wesleyan College’s premier vocal ensemble, devoted to the study and performance of high-quality choral music from diverse styles, musical eras, languages, and cultures. Bonded by a passion for compelling musical performance and a desire for meaningful Christian fellowship, the Chorale is an ensemble of talented singer-artists who combine their gifts to cultivate excellence in choral singing.

Each year, the Chorale’s musical programming and extra-musical activities are structured around a unifying theme. This year, our theme—and that of the tour—is perseverance. In devotionals and other spiritual life activities incorporated into the ensemble, we are reflecting on James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” The title of the Florida tour program is “Through the Storm . . . Lead Me to the Light.” These words are borrowed from the central piece on the program, Thomas Dorsey’s “Precious Lord,” and the repertoire is structured around the storm, lead, and light themes.

Following a chant-based introit, the first set of the tour concert is called “The Rain Awakens” and features storm music that represents the elements of nature, concluding with a piece advocating for ecological justice. During the second set, “Turn Darkness Into Light,” the storm fades away, and the theme of light begins to emerge. Following intermission, the Chorale returns to the stage for its third set: “Lead Me Home.” In this set, the music leads the audience not only to physical light but to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Finally, in the final set, “The Star of My Life Is Jesus,” we sing of the One who is the culmination of every piece that preceded it.

Although thematically unified, the program is stylistically eclectic, including music from Medieval Germany, Renaissance Mexico, Classic Austria, 19th-century Russia, and 20th-century South America. It also includes music guaranteed to delight audiences, including new music by American composers, a folk song arrangement, gospel music, spirituals, and even a choral arrangement of a contemporary Christian ballad from the 1970s.