ALAMOSA — In a stunning performance on Wednesday evening, the Adams State University Chamber Choir tackled American composer Kyle Pederson's five-movement "A Vision Unfolding," delighting the audience. 

The full title of the concert was "A Vision Unfolding: Building Hope Through Connections," and according to ASU's Beth Robinson, "I knew that this program would be representative of the Adams State Music Department's ETHOS: Exploring Equity through Music initiative." 

Robinson continued, "As I considered topics that we might highlight, I realized that the message I ultimately wanted to convey was one of hope and the desire for unity, or at least a healthy and civil discourse, in times of serious division and differing visions for our country. 

"I have always been drawn to the music of Kyle Pederson and his messages of positivity, honesty, vulnerability, and compassion." 

In his performance notes, Pederson says this about the first movement, "The poet is asking God's spirit to reach down and lift us up — lift us to the light…lift us up to wholeness. When the choir sings the refrain, 'Reach Down Lord, we hear not only a cry to God but also an invitation to all of us, to reach down — and out — to another." 

Peterson also said this of the composition, "That we might stand in solidarity with those whose voices are too often dismissed, regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, faith background or other characteristic." 

Pederson will soon achieve one of the highest achievements in American music. On March 16, 2025, "A Vision Unfolding" will be performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. 

The Adams State University Department of Music has several upcoming events: 

• Tonight, Nov. 1, the department hosts the Pikes Peak Brass Band.
• On Saturday, Nov. 2, the SLV Community Band will take the stage. Both concerts will be in Richardson Hall. Both begin at 7 p.m.
• On Nov. 12, the ASU Jazz Band and 68 West perform.
• On Sunday, Nov. 17, Madelynn Siegrist will have a recital. These will be in Leon Memorial Hall.
• On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the ASU Percussion Ensemble will be in Richardson Hall. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
• William Lipke will hold a junior piano recital at 7 p.m. in Leon Memorial Hall on Nov. 21. 
• The ASU Music Department Holiday Concert will be at Richardson Hall on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
• A faculty recital with Amy Johnson, soprano and Brooke Miller on clarinet will be held on Dec. 7 also in Leon Memorial Hall at 7 p.m.