Following the establishment of an interfaith choir for the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at the Vatican in 2018, the founders of Together in Hope are currently preparing for the U.S. premiere of the choir's performance of "The Stranger," which examines the traditions of major faiths regarding the acceptance of refugees, immigrants, and outcasts.

Together in Hope to Perform in St. Paul

The performance of "The Stranger," which is based on texts from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu religions, will take place at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul on Oct. 16 and 17. 

According to The Catholic Spirit, Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson, both from the Twin Cities, are responsible for creating the text for the song used in the Together in Hope Project in 2017. 

The duo drew inspiration from religious texts and poems written in the first person by immigrants. 

One of the poets they drew inspiration from was Mary Patricia Mulhall, a Brigidine Sister from Windsor, England, who focused on helping victims of human trafficking.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the Together in Hope Project's concert at the Vatican, the event was attended by Archbishop Bernard Hebda and the Rev. Ann Svennungsen, bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The two founders approached the two religious leaders for advice on their next endeavor. 

Aamodt and Ellingson claimed that Reverend Svennungsen and Archbishop Hebda independently brought up the plight of refugees and immigrants.

The report also stated that Aamodt and Ellingson, who are both Lutherans, see a connection between the Vatican project, which highlighted recent efforts toward better understanding by the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation, and global immigration and refugee issues, most recently among Ukrainians escaping war.

Ellingson has described their musical endeavors as having a greater meaning. And the aim is to raise awareness, promote healing and reconciliation, in whatever form that takes within the context of that issue, and honestly activate people to do the right thing.

Kim André Arnesen is the composer of "The Stranger," and the first performance of the piece took place on July 28 in Trondheim, Norway, during the opening concert of the Trondheim International Olavsfest. 

As per the report, more than 50 people are a part of the Together in Hope choir, many of which took part in the concert in the Vatican in 2018, and there are a few devout Catholics among them. 

Amanda Laugerman, one of the members, was raised Lutheran but now worships at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.

Laugerman was introduced to the Together in Hope Project and joined it prior to its 2018 performance in the Vatican.

Laugerman stated that she had a connection to the first project's theme, Christian reconciliation because she has attended services at both the Lutheran and Catholic churches.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an agency that offers financial and medical aid to refugees worldwide, collaborated to develop "The Stranger" initiative.

About Together in Hope

The goal of the Together In Hope Project is to use the unifying power of music to promote peace and reconciliation among diverse groups of people. 

According to the organization, the mission of the Together In Hope Project is to promote healing and reconciliation by developing innovative initiatives with a musical focus that responds to specific needs and opportunities. 

Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson, two Minnesotans with a penchant for music with a mission, formed a nonprofit organization in the state in 2017.