New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Sounds of Zion) On April 4th, 2014, the American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic, in collaboration with
Sounds of Zion, will release The Master, an all-instrumental album of hymns performed by talented youth from across the state of Utah. The Master, the second commercial recording released by the Lyceum Philharmonic, is the first release under its recent partnership with Christian music label
Sounds of Zion.
The Master is a rare collection of sacred hymns performed by dedicated young musicians. It is a deeply felt statement of faith in the Master - Jesus Christ. The musical essence of each hymn, powerfully and beautifully arranged, communicates feelings of devotion in an effort to fulfill the Lyceum Philharmonic's mission of inspiring and educating audiences with music.
"The whole process of creating this album with students has been inspiring," said Lyceum Philharmonic
Director Kayson Brown. "These youth have poured their heart and soul into this music and it really shows in the final product. I could not be more proud of the way these high school students have used their talents and their faith to lift others, and I don't know of another orchestra doing anything like this anywhere in the nation. For a youth orchestra to be able to commission new works and then professionally release them is a testament to the amazing families and support for the Arts that we have here in Utah!"
The American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic is comprised of nearly 100 talented, young musicians who come from many high schools across the state of Utah to participate in an after-school music program at American Heritage School. The Philharmonic is one of five orchestras in a community program boasting more than 200 students aged 5 to 18. Under the direction of Kayson Brown, these extraordinary student musicians have made a dramatic impact on the music community by performing inspiring programs both on their own and with some of the industry's most popular artists.
Sounds of Zion President Dr.
David Zabriskie said, "There is a lot of beautiful sacred music in the market right now, but almost none of it recorded for orchestra. There is no shortage of choir and orchestra or instrumental music for piano or violin, but assembling 12 new arrangements of stunningly beautiful sacred music performed by a 100-piece orchestra is unique in this industry and powerful in a way that we hope will deeply touch listeners."
The Master is the follow-up commercial release to the orchestra's 2011 debut CD Hearts & Minds. "While the Lyceum Philharmonic has enjoyed remarkable success with international recording artists The Piano Guys,
Jackie Evancho and
David Archuleta, it is rare that any youth orchestra would have the expertise or resources to create and release a professional level recording, let alone two," Brown said. "We are fortunate to have found in
Sounds of Zion, a partner that shares our mission and supports music in education."
