Elaine Hagenberg was born in 1979, and spent her early years as both a singer and a pianist. Educated at Drake University, she released her first published work in 2013, ‘I Will Be a Child of Peace’, an arrangement of a Shaker hymn.

In the ensuing 13 years, Hagenberg’s star has only continued to rise.  Not only is she known as a prolific composer, but she’s also in great demand as a choral conductor and clinician.  Her compositions have been described as “brilliantly innovative”, “truly inspired” and “stunning, exquisite, sculpting light into sound”.

The work we’re performing, ‘Illuminare’, is Hagenberg’s first extended work for SATB chorus and chamber orchestra.  In Hagenberg’s own words, “Using lesser-known sacred Latin texts, the piece takes us through a season of beauty and goodness that has been disrupted by darkness and confusion. But as Light gradually returns, hope is restored, illuminating our future and guiding us in peace.”

‘Illuminare’ was only published three years ago, but already it’s so popular that over 100 performances of the work were scheduled in 2025 alone.

So don’t miss out on the chance to hear ‘Illuminare’, maybe for the first time!  It is a glorious and moving piece of music and we think you’ll love hearing it as much as we’re enjoying singing it.