Newton World Premiere Event
Sat, Oct 25
|Saint Paul
This new oratorio tells the story of John Newton, the 18th-century prodigal and slaver who, after his dramatic conversion to Christianity, became a faithful pastor and abolitionist. Scored for chorus, orchestra, and soloists, the piece also highlights Newton’s friendship with poet William Cowper.
Time & Location
Oct 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saint Paul, 3900 Bethel Dr, St Paul, MN 55112, USA
Guests
About the event
This new oratorio tells the story of John Newton, the 18th-century prodigal and slaver who, after his dramatic conversion to Christianity, became a faithful pastor and abolitionist. Scored for chorus, orchestra, and soloists, the piece also highlights Newton’s friendship with the poet William Cowper, who collaborated with Newton on the Olney Hymns, and whose spiritual depression defined the latter part of his life. This world premiere performance features Gerard Sundberg as Newton and Richard Joseph as Cowper.
Tickets available through the Bethel University ticket office.
SOLOISTS
Gerard Sundberg (John Newton)