From Darkness into Light: The Soul's Journey | The Music of Elaine Hagenberg

This concert marks the Colorado premiere of Aeterna Via, a major new choral work by composer Elaine Hagenberg. Five years ago, the Cherry Creek Chorale premiered Illuminare—initially in Colorado and later at Carnegie Hall—Hagenberg’s critically acclaimed work tracing a journey from beauty through darkness and ultimately back into light. Illuminare has since become a beloved and widely performed work within choral communities and will open the May program.

Aeterna Via continues Hagenberg’s exploration of the human journey, unfolding as a sweeping, cinematic arc of departure, transformation, and return. Commissioned by a national consortium of ensembles—of which the Cherry Creek Chorale is a member—this performance offers Colorado audiences an early opportunity to experience the work in May, ahead of its world premiere in Paris this June. We invite you to be among the first to encounter this extraordinary musical adventure.

Before the Baton

Join our conductor 20 minutes before the performance for an engaging pre-concert talk. Share the stories, history, and context behind the music so you can enjoy the concert on a whole new level.