On Dec. 1, The Master’s University Chorale will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, a tremendous opportunity few college musicians receive. They will be debuting a new composition by internationally acclaimed composer Heather Sorenson, with the aim of representing Christ faithfully on the big stage.

TMU’s relationship with Sorenson began in 2024 when the Chorale performed Sorenson’s “Requiem for University Singers,” a composition about the hope of eternity with Christ. Sorenson, who conducted the piece herself, was impressed by the musical and biblical integrity of TMU’s singers and requested that they perform with her at Carnegie Hall when her new Christmas composition premiered in the winter of 2026.

Dr. Marius Bahnean, associate professor of music and director of chorale activities at TMU, is honored by the opportunity and equally proud of his students.

“The fact that Heather vouched for us speaks greatly to how well our students apply themselves and the high quality of musical performance at TMU,” he said.

In addition to the professional experience his students will gain, Bahnean noted the more important opportunity for TMU Chorale to witness to Christ in the heart of the largest city in the United States — New York City.

“We fully understand music is not the end object,” Bahnean said. “You don’t make it the most important thing you do, but you make it your actual act of worship to God, who created music, allows us to enjoy it, allows us to understand it to some extent, and allows us to do it to the best of our abilities and then give it back to Him.”

Bahnean is grateful to teach at a school that shares his convictions about Scripture and the purpose of music.

“I remind the students all the time that music is a privilege,” he said. “It’s an activity created by God for our enjoyment, but ultimately to honor Him.”

Learn more about The Master’s University Chorale and the Paul T. Plew School of Music here.