Clair Leaman, a member of St. Stephen Church, New Holland, is looking forward to the church hosting "The Gospel According to Bach," and he wants area residents to know about the heart behind the group's presentation. "They are doing it because Tom (Elliott) has this vision of people hearing the Scripture and the story of the crucifixion and being touched by it and coming to know Christ as their savior," said Leaman. "That's his goal."

Trombonist Tom Elliott and his wife, Cheryl, who is a violinist, will present "The Gospel According to Bach" with other professional musicians and a narrator at St. Stephen Church, 249 E. Main St., New Holland, on Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m. The event is free, and registration is not necessary to attend.

According to Leaman, Elliott started with J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," and arranged portions as solos for trombone or other instruments or to be played by the ensemble. "A narrator reads Scripture, and they weave it all together," said Leaman. Professional musicians who make up the rest of the ensemble are Richard Amoroso on cello, Scott Antony on organ, Emilie Park on violin, and Ana Tsinadze on viola. The shortened presentation will feature evangelist and vocalist Todd Thomas. Leaman explained that the "St. Matthew Passion" includes seven chorales. "When they get to the chorales, (Elliott) leads the audience accompanied by the ensemble, and they sing the chorales," said Leaman.

The Elliotts studied at the Curtis Institute of Music before leading successful music careers. Tom is a founder and former director of the Westminster Brass, and Cheryl served as associate concertmaster for the Minnesota Orchestra. Amoroso attended the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts, earning degrees in performance. He has played with the Philly Pops Orchestra.

Antony is a freelance musician and accompanist who studied at the Peabody Conservatory. He serves as organist at Cresheim Valley Church and as rehearsal pianist and music director for a number of regional theaters.

Park began studying violin as a child. She is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University, and she was a faculty member at Settlement Music School of Philadelphia for more than a decade.

Tsinadze was born in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, and she began her music education as a child. In 1995, she moved to the U.S. She is an active chamber musician, recitalist, soloist, and orchestral player.

Thomas is an American baritone who has had an international operatic career for more than three decades. He has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and New York City Opera. In his music ministry, he is a soloist at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

"The Gospel According to Bach" is presented in association with Soli Deo Gloria Concerts with the intent to glorify God through Bach's music. "As a piece of worship music, it is a natural choice to present in a church during the season of Lent," said Leaman.

Readers who have questions about the event may call 717-354-7871.