On Saturday, Oct. 11, music lovers in Fayetteville will be transported on a breathtaking journey around the world as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the First Presbyterian Church Choir to present Dan Forrest’s Jubilate Deo. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann Street, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
This highly anticipated performance marks the return of a fan favorite—one that captures the very spirit of unity through music. Forrest’s Jubilate Deo, first premiered in 2016, brings to life the global dimension of Psalm 100, “O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands.” Rather than limiting the sacred text to a single cultural voice, Forrest expands its reach by setting it in seven different languages, each paired with musical influences from its cultural roots.
The work unfolds across seven movements: Jubilate Deo (Latin), Ve adthdor vador (Hebrew and Arabic), Ta cao chang de yang (Mandarin Chinese), Ngokujabula! (Zulu), Bendecid su nombre (Spanish), Song of the Earth (untexted), and Omnis Terra (a culmination of languages, including English). Each section blends traditional stylistic elements—whether liturgical chant, Middle Eastern modes, African rhythms, or Chinese folk colorings—with Forrest’s signature lyrical and cinematic style.
In the composition Song of the Earth, untexted describes a vocal section or passage without specific written lyrics. Rather than performing actual words, vocalists use sounds such as “ah,” “mm,” or similar vowel combinations to create mood and emotional impact.
The result is a kaleidoscope of sound that highlights the universality of joy and praise. Voices and instruments intertwine to evoke the vibrancy of global traditions yet seamlessly return to the common thread of celebration. From the reverent grandeur of Latin liturgy to the exhilarating pulse of Zulu rhythms, audiences will experience both the diversity and the unity of the human spirit.
For fans of powerful choral harmonies, dynamic orchestral textures, and music with cultural depth, this performance promises to be an unforgettable evening. Jubilate Deo is more than a concert—it is an invitation to witness how music can bridge worlds and reflect a shared humanity.
Tickets are available through the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s website, and seating is expected to fill quickly. Tickets start at $35, with discounts available for military personnel, teachers, seniors, and college students. Purchase online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1237498?performanceId=11631931.
Don’t miss this chance to experience Dan Forrest’s extraordinary work and celebrate a night where, truly, “all the earth sings as one.”