Millennium hymn by ACU professors to be performed in Rome For Immediate Release Dec. 17, 1999 Contacts: Dr. Sally Reid, professor of music (915) 674-2044 or (915) 677-5530 Dr. Cheryl Bacon, professor of journalism and mass communication (915) 674-2812 or (915) 677-1977 Tom Craig, director of media and community relations (915) 674-2692 Two Abilene Christian University professors composed a hymn for the millennium that will be performed in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 28. Dr. Sally Reid, professor of music, and Dr. Cheryl Bacon, professor and chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, created "Jesus, Redeemer, Messiah." It will be performed twice during the Jubilee 2000 Celebration in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Nierva in Rome. According to a Jubilee 2000 Web sites, the coming of the Third Millennium prompts the Christian community to lift eyes of faith to embrace new horizons in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Jubilee 2000 is a Vatican-based celebration. Reid was one of 12 composers invited to write a hymn for the millennium, and she enlisted Bacon's help for the lyrics. A friend of Reid's who lives in Italy and serves as an Italian representative to UNESCO (the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) recommended an invitation be extended to Reid. The a cappella version of the work will open the Dec. 28 concert. The work will then be repeated to close the concert by the entire concert ensemble in a fuller version for mass choir, brass and percussion. The National Dance Academy will present accompanying choreography with dancers in costumes of the colors on the Jubilee Logo. The entire evening will be repeated on Dec. 29 in the Cathedral of Anagni, where the Jubilee Celebrations were born a thousand years ago. While Reid's hymn will be performed as part of the Jubilee 2000 celebration, she said it is not the official Jubilee 2000 hymn, but the honor is still great. "It's quite an honor to be among a select group of composers and asked to participate," Reid said. Bacon agreed, saying such a chance to showcase the talents of two ACU professors on this level is rare. "More important is the opportunity for two women who teach at a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas, to be given a venue to tell the world about Christ," she said. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: Dec. 17, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/events/news/991217-hymn.html