By Jenny Oaks Baker, Author of The Redeemer: A Musical Journey through the Life of Jesus the Christ

“Kurt, this isn’t right.” The thought had come to my mind suddenly, clearly, and powerfully. “We are supposed to record and produce an entirely different album, but I don’t know what that is.”

For months, Emmy-nominated composer and frequent collaborator Kurt Bestor and I had been talking through and planning a new album concept. We had determined all the songs and musical treatments. Shadow Mountain Records had already signed off on the project. We were now ready for Kurt to start writing his inspired musical ideas.

But even though it was a good album concept, moving forward on that project wasn’t the right call. I knew it with absolute certainty. And I’ve had enough experience to know that when the Spirit is speaking to me, I need to listen.

Kurt listened to my abrupt declaration, paused, and then thoughtfully responded, “What if we create an album entirely about the Savior?” The Spirit then confirmed to my heart that THIS was exactly the album we were supposed to create.

We immediately poured our hearts and minds into creating an album that would reverently and powerfully bear testimony of Jesus Christ and the profound influence of His life on the world.

From the very beginning, I have felt the Lord guiding this project along—one song, one lyric, and eventually, one performance at a time. What started as a 10-track album with violin, choir, and orchestra is now a full multimedia production that travels around the world, featuring talented soloists, inspired narration, and local choirs and orchestras. I am excited that The Redeemer is now also available as an interactive book with musical QR code links that enable families to experience this production together at home. The Redeemer is the most spiritually impactful and musically satisfying work I have ever been privileged to record, perform, and produce.

The Redeemer began as a 10-track album for solo violin, orchestra, and choir. It has now grown into a multimedia production also featuring vocal and cello soloists, narration, video, and nine additional glorious movements.

The Redeemer begins with a song called “The Chosen: God Loved Us So He Sent His Son.” A narrator invites the audience to imagine what it must have been like when we were gathered together in heaven, hearing our Heavenly Father share His plan for us, including the redeeming and sanctifying role of Jesus Christ. The music then journeys through Christ’s birth via Handel’s magnificent “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” then to the beginnings of His ministry when He personally teaches the Woman at the Well in “I Stand All Amazed” and invites His disciples to leave their nets and follow Him through “Come, Follow Me.”

After a number of other moving movements, including the heart-wrenching “From Every Pore” and poignant “Upon the Cross at Calvary,” we end with the triumphal “He Lives!” and “Hallelujah” chorus movements before closing with the audience singing along to “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” In total, the two-hour program comprises 19 glorious musical episodes designed to bring us together in worship and praise of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A few years ago, the Spirit directed me to begin producing my own shows and tours so that I could bring Christ-centered and inspirational programs to the world. I was trained to perform in shows, not produce them, so creating a show from scratch and figuring out how to produce and tour it is completely overwhelming. There are just so many responsibilities!

Each morning in prayer, I ask the Lord, “With so many tasks before me, what should I prioritize today?” The Spirit then immediately shows me what is most important and helps me to accomplish it. I am completely reliant on the Lord and His Spirit. I am also very grateful for all the angels (here on earth and from the other side) whom the Lord has sent to help me accomplish this great work!

I know that the Lord LOVES effort, and He honors it by guiding, directing, and blessing us to accomplish those things that He would have us do. It is such a privilege to partner with the Lord! I am grateful to be able to spend my life striving to build His kingdom through sharing music, words, and productions that bring people closer to Christ. I know He lives, and I rejoice in His redeeming love!

New! The Redeemer: A Musical Journey through the Life of Jesus the Christ: A new Holy Week and Easter experience that can help individuals and families connect more deeply to the Savior and His life and ministry through the powerful and inspired music performed by Grammy Award–nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker.

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