Masterworks Choral Ensemble's 'Holding the Light' to take center stage
Originally published on The JOLT News on November 26, 2025
As we approach Thanksgiving and all the other holidays that follow, society wants us to join the hustle and bustle of commercialism and rush to buy every single thing while that deal lasts.
There is a crescendo of stressful tones that can be really unpleasant and distract us from what matters most. This holiday season, I invite you to hold the light.
The other day, I enjoyed a lovely conversation with Masterworks Choral Ensemble’s Artistic Director and Conductor Ben Luedcke about MCE’s Dec. 6 concert. Alongside holiday favorites, this concert program will have pieces that we can carry in our hearts and sing year-round.
The majority of our conversation was spent discussing lyrics to various songs in the program, all of which contain poetry, punch and love. These powerful lyrics have remained with me. I really value the way Luedcke made space for these songs, and even in our conversation, gave them the honor and spotlight they deserve. The message of this concert and thoughtfully selected pieces in the program is something I think we all need right now.
I invite you to pause, find a blanket and a cozy chair, and read the message MCE has for all of us. Together, we can begin the holiday season on a “lighter” note as we join MCE in “Holding the Light.”
'Holding the Light'
Luedcke described how the title of the concert comes from the title of a piece written by a woman of color named B.E. Boykin. Composing both the score and the text. This is a piece that is quite fitting for the times. He read the lyrics aloud to me, I invite you to read them aloud to yourself:
"Gather up whatever is glittering in the gutter,
Whatever has tumbled into waves or fallen,
In flames out of the sky,
Holding the light.
For it’s not only our hearts that are broken,
But the heart of the world as well.
We must stitch it back together,
Holding the light.
Make a place where the day speaks to the night,
And the Earth speaks to the sky,
Whether we created God or God created us,
We are holding the light.
So it all comes down to this.
In our imperfect world
We are meant to repair,
And stitch it together.
Stitch it together with whatever beauty there is
Stitch it with compassion and wire.
See how everything we made gathers the light inside itself
And overflows."
'Hope Lingers On'
Another piece being featured in the concert is an original composition by Lissa Schneckenburger, arranged by Andrea Ramsey, and titled, “Hope Lingers On.”
Luedcke commented, “Although this piece was written around 10 years ago at this point it remains relevant today. I was really inspired by the youth choirs that I heard perform this online. Originally written for youth choirs. It’s a fairly simple song, but profound.”
Hearing Luedcke speak these lyrics aloud, it sounded like an anthem my heart naturally wanted to grasp on to. I will dare to paraphrase the lyrics here:
"When love is gone,
When peace is gone,
When tolerance is gone,
When honor is gone,
When justice is gone,
In our darkest hour,
Hope lingers on.
I will not hate,
I will not fear,
In our darkest hour,
Hope lingers here."
'Be the Love'
The previous two songs I’ve discussed contain messages that make for perfect commentary in any political conversation that can arise as a thanksgiving table.
However, this song gives us all a response we can use when someone attempts to test our patience. With lyrics and score both composed by Kyle Patterson, this song reminds us of what matters most.
"If you want to have peace, you’ve got to be the peace.
If you want to have love, you’ve got to be the love.
If you want to have joy, you’ve got to be the joy."
That is the most empowering message there is: we don’t need to wait for others to change the world, we can start having a ripple effect of positivity ourselves. A great way to make a positive impact on our community is by sitting in the audience of a show.
Reflection
These songs offer the ultimate challenge, but one I’m willing to take on, even when it’s hard. I encourage you: be the peace, love, joy, and rise above the hate, discrimination and anger the world wants to provoke out of us. The best place to start is at the dinner table with your loved ones.
Happy holidays, dear readers! May love, light, hope and joy be yours now and always.
Learn more about MCE’s “Holding the Light” concert here.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/masterworks-choral-ensembles-holding-the-light-to-take-center-stage,27171