Grammy-Nominated Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker Brings “Joy to the World!” Concert to Denver

By Corey Christiansen, Denver Metro Area News Media Specialist

Having a Grammy-nominated violinist perform her joyous holiday show about the birth of Jesus Christ for two nights in Denver was an incredible way to kick off the Christmas season.

Jenny Oaks Baker and her accomplished children, musical ensemble Family Four, lit up the stage at the University of Denver’s Newman Center in their production of “Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration.” The show started its national tour in Denver and will run through December 23, making stops in multiple states including California, Texas and Florida.

The show is produced by SoulFill Music Foundation which described it as “a heartwarming, Christ-centered holiday show featuring world renowned mezzo soprano Angela Brower. Enjoy captivating and cherished Christmas carols arranged by Emmy Award-winning composer Kurt Bestor, inspiring script by New York Times best-selling author Jason F. Wright, and moving narration and powerful vocals by baritone Preston Yates. With vibrant performances from outstanding local choral groups, ballet companies and Irish dancers, this unforgettable show is sure to fill your season with joy, reverence, and festive cheer!”

Prior to the first night’s performance at the Newman Center, local leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Oaks Baker is a prominent member of the church) hosted a VIP reception for Denver-area faith and community leaders. The reception provided a valuable opportunity for leaders to strengthen their interfaith ties and to enjoy the start of the Christmas season together. The attendees complimented both the reception and the amazing performances they witnessed on the Newman Center stage:

“Interfaith relationships are important because we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord and relationships help us live it beyond any intellectual understanding.”
-Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, Archdiocese of Denver

“Interfaith relationships aren’t just important, they are fundamental to upholding and learning how to demonstrate Christlike forms of behavior—spiritual and intellectual humility, to name two.”
-Tamara Knowles from the Denver Episcopal community involved in interfaith

“Thank you so very, very much for the gift of this evening! The entire ride home, my mom spoke of the beauty of the evening and the performances from start to finish! What a wonderful concert and special gift.”
-Rev. Dr. Lee Butler, Jr., President & CEO, Iliff School of Theology

“I enjoyed the spiritual and biblical frame of the whole concert. For me it was more a spiritual experience than appreciation of the performance (that was really good!).”
-Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, Archdiocese of Denver

“I enjoyed meeting different faith leaders and the atmosphere was very beautiful to be exposed to concerts I am not familiar with. I also learned new things about faith-based concerts and music.”
-Imam Muhammud Kolila, Downtown Denver Islamic Center

For the second night, The Church of Jesus Christ invited Katie Moon from Catholic Charities to offer a prayer prior to the performance. Moon specializes in volunteer and corporate engagement and was honored to represent her organization. Before offering the prayer, she spoke about the long-standing partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ and Catholic Charities in Colorado. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has done so much to help Catholic Charities in Northern Colorado – from volunteers to donations of food, furniture, diapers and more! You help us do more of the work we do and our friendship is invaluable,” she said.

Moon reminded attendees that when we come together as the hands and feet of Christ, we are able to do even more for those most in need. She extended an invitation to continue working together to build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Katie Moon (right) with performers from “Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration”

Speaking about the importance of interfaith relationships, Moon also added, “They help to knit the community together – especially when we can come together for common causes. Impact is multiplied, but more importantly division is overcome, hearts are changed and friends are made.”

#UpliftColorado