(February 14, 2012)

Centenary Choir premieres alumnus's composition in Carnegie Hall

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Centenary College Choir will premiere alumnus James Eakin's Flowers Over the Graves of War with choirs from all over the country in Carnegie Hall on February 20, at 7:00 p.m. The evening's events, focused on "Reflections of Life," will feature special guest, Clay Aiken.

"Flowers is a work of unconditional love," said Eakin. "Just as parents love their children in times of disappointment, so too does God, in my opinion, love His children even in their darkest times. This composition is one of contrast: good versus evil, light versus darkness, love versus hate, innocence versus death of faith."

The Centenary Choir will be one of the largest contingents of the mass choir, which will rehearse only three times before the performance. The Carnegie performance is part of a six-day tour of New York City that will include an appearance in New Jersey at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River at 7:00 p.m., February 21. Centenary choir members will also get the chance to view the 9/11 Memorial as well as see The Lion King on Broadway during their visit.

Flowers Over the Graves of War is in six movements and scored for three soloists (soprano, mezzo, tenor), chorus, and orchestra. Combining the words of traditional Latin Requiem Mass with new poetry by Michael Dennis Browne, Eakin creates a stirring vision and prayer for peace through his music.

James Eakin, a 2000 alumnus of Centenary, was a member of the Choir. In 2007, Eakin received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas City. For over seven years, he was the Composer-in-Residence for the Turtle Creek Chorale. Eakin currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to write music for the concert stage as well as composing scores for film and television. He is also a voice over artist represented by Wintner Artist Management.