LIVERPOOL, England — The United Kingdom debut performance of the "Saints on the Seas" oratorio was performed here at Liverpool's majestic Anglican Cathedral, "the most touching performance some had ever witnessed."

The specially commissioned work by composers Cori Connors, Kurt Bestor and Mark Robinette was performed by the world-famous Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir. It was this orchestra and choir that recently recorded the music on CD. With all the pace and emotional pull of a "Les Miserables" production, "Saints on the Seas" tells the story of Latter-day Saint emigrants from Scandinavia and Britain in the mid-19th century.

The performance was attended by many local and regional civic dignitaries and community leaders, including those of other faiths. The music of the orchestra and voices of the singers filled the huge vaults of the cathedral; among the singers were some 30 members of the Church from northwest England.

Ian Tracy, the director of the choir, said that it was the most touching performance he had ever experienced.

Sisters Janet Leeds and Sylvia Burgan spoke of their feelings about joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir.

"At first when we came to sing with the choir in rehearsals, we didn't feel welcome. But over the period of the several rehearsals and the recording, they warmed to us and had started asking questions about the Church," said Sylvia Burgan. "It was clear that at first the choir did not understand the significance of the work or why the Church members were there. So we got some materials together to explain the background. By the end of rehearsals they had really got into the spirit of it."

"We came away from every rehearsal floating, buzzing," said Sister Leeds. "We will miss it when it's over." She explained to the choir members that "this is our heritage and our history." Both women felt the addition of the Church members brought a special spirit to the oratorio.

"Every time has been a special experience. Something certainly touched them," said Sister Leeds.

With Kurt Bestor conducting, roles were played by Jenny Welch-Babidge, Jenny Frogley, George Dyer and Darrell Babidge. Young Elias Robinette played the part of a child who died during the Atlantic crossing. During the production, images of emigrants and extracts from their journals were projected onto sails at either side of the performance area.

The words of the last song of the oratorio, "Good Winds" link those who emigrated with those who remained behind, and today build Zion in their own nations: "Good winds, how you carried us. Good seeds once you scatter, now will you gather them all in the soil that our fathers' hands have broken. We will grow in the place where we were born. Good hands come together to gather and pray and labor as one."

Playing with the orchestra, Cori Connors performed her own composition, the first time she had performed it and, indeed, the first time she had seen a public production of the work.

Speaking of the experience afterwards she said, "There was a very much different spirit here tonight than when I heard it being recorded. Experience tells me that it depends on the spirit of the audience. There have been others than us involved in creating this production: My feeling is that they had the opportunity to be here."

George Dyer, tenor, said it was, "thrilling to experience this beautiful music with not only Church members but especially those who are not members. This is our way of thanking them for the part their ancestors played in our history. It was so beautiful to sing in this cathedral. I have been very grateful to see people affected and moved by the performance."

One of the most poignant pieces of the work is the number, "If you were mine completely," where a Norwegian emigrant calls to his wife in Norway: "Come to me, come as quickly as you can gather your goods and your courage and come to me." His wife, Ann, replies, "I come to you. With all my heart, I do, I come to you."

William K. Sadleir, Sea Trek chairman, said that during that number he saw many women in the orchestra crying. "They were playing their violins and in the pauses wiping the tears from their eyes."

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Speaking of the spirit of this performance, Brother Sadleir said, "It's been different in every city. In Copenhagen the town hall location was difficult, but Elder D. Lee Tobler of the Seventy and president of the Europe Central Area Presidency said: 'Wonderful music, but even better spirit.' "

Chief guests, Lord Mayor Gerry Scott and his wife the Lady Mayoress, Ann Scott, were visibly moved. They spoke afterwards of their feelings: "I can't explain what it was like," said the Lord Mayor. "It was so wonderful. I was moved by it. It was a wonderful performance. I'm glad we've got the CD, so we can go home and listen to it again." His wife added, "We feel so very privileged to have been here today."

Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., said afterwards, "I'm speechless. That's unusual in someone in my profession. It was totally inspiring. I never thought I would hear 'Praise to the Man' performed in the Anglican cathedral of Liverpool. I certainly felt a heavenly spirit here."

Elder Wayne S. Peterson of the Seventy and newly called to the Europe West Area Presidency said he thought that, "the inclusion of some of the hymns we love added to the spirit of the occasion. 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief' — think of putting that in this venue, and the spirit invoked cannot help but build better relations and spread the gospel."

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