BOISE, Idaho — An original oratorio was performed here recently by members of the Church who depicted the people of the Book of Mormon. "The Messiah, Another Testament," written by Peter Covino Jr., included the Alleluia Chorus and Orchestra, an all-valley LDS group, as well as a children's group that comes on stage and sings as an actor portrays the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.
"The object was to give an overview of the story and purpose of the Book of Mormon to help proclaim the gospel to the world and strengthen the testimonies of the saints," Brother Covino explained.
"The Messiah, Another Testament" portrays the people of the Book of Mormon from their origins and includes the resurrection and visitation of Christ to the Nephites. The oratorio ends with the last battle and Mormon and Moroni in the finale that leads to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon from the dust of the earth. Many soloists are used to portray the various prophets.
According to Morris Bastian, former director of the Boise Institute of Religion, this oratorio includes some of the most important parts of the Book of Mormon story along with the basic doctrines of the book.
This was the second year "The Messiah, Another Testament" has been performed; it was supported both years by several local stakes.
In a 2003 letter to Brother Covino, President Thomas A. Holt of the Idaho Boise Mission wrote: "We are grateful that you allowed our missionaries with their investigators and new converts to come to the performance without charge. It was an inspiration to sit and listen to the music testify of the Savior. We took our neighbors from across the street (not members of the Church) and they were very impressed with the music. I feel that the performance was helpful to our missionary work."