Ave Maria Radio:

Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King - the Last Sunday in Ordinary Time.

We have chosen songs from various artists that focus on gifts or virtues. See if you can name that virtue or gift! There is no need to name that tune; you can leave that up to us! Sit back and enjoy the show.

In 1904, while still early in his career, composer Ralph Vaughn Williams joined Percy Deamer, an Anglican liturgist and priest, to produce a new hymnal that contained “a collection of the best hymns in the English language.” Published in 1906, these hymns became among the most popular and best loved music heard in churches around the world. We feature a few of this hymnal’s “greatest hits” today on Notes From Above.

“The Far Country” is the sixth studio release (2005) by Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson. The title of the album is taken from a quote made by a 16th century German theologian: “God is at home. We are in the far country.” Peterson uses this insight to produce a masterwork. His perceptive and eloquent lyrics become personal testimony to this well-reasoned observation, and much more. This is music that captures the heart. The lyrics capture our souls.

Daniel Ernest Forrest Jr. is an American composer, pianist, educator, and music editor. Dan Forrest was born in Breesport, New York, and began piano lessons with his elementary school music teacher at age 8! He is an acclaimed composer of choral, orchestral, instrumental, and wind band works. His music, in print with numerous publishers, has sold millions of copies, and has become well established in the repertoire of choirs around the world.

The Notre Dame Glee Club is performing at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00pm. This legendary men’s choral group - founded 110 years ago in 1915 - will perform a concert featuring sacred music. The Glee Club has performed on stages and churches throughout the world; on television (the Ed Sullivan Show), and on movie soundtracks (Rudy). Admission is FREE (although free-will donations are gratefully accepted). Bring your children and grandchildren. St. Thomas the Apostle Church is located at 530 Elizabeth Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and there is ample parking (also free). Come see the world famous Notre Dame Glee Club. Our guest today is Stephen DiFranco, who is currently a senior at the University of Notre Dame and a proud member in the bass section of the Glee Club.

Stephen McWhirter is essentially an internet phenomenon - hardly known or heard beyond the confines of the world wide web - but what a voice! Powerful, sincere, filled with the love of, and for, Jesus Christ. His backstory is one of rising up by the power of Christ - and Christ alone! - to defeat the power of addiction. To discover more about the man, go to worshipjesus.life.

“For King and Country” is Christian pop duo formed by Australian brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. The band’s name reflects their commitment to their faith and to the country they represent. Their music often addresses themes of hope and redemption.

The music from our deeper past is often overlooked by today’s audiences, and yet, it continues to delight music lovers because it remains powerful, inspiring and still very much alive. Our guest today is Emily Solomon, the Executive Director of the Academy of Early Music in Ann Arbor. All the music heard on Notes From Above today is performed by the artists featured during the Academy’s newest season.

The Stabat Mater is perhaps one of the most ancient (and most beautiful) Sequence hymns of the Catholic Church, going back (at least) to the 12th Century. The subject - Our Blessed Mother standing in sorrow at the base of the cross as her Son is crucified, has become the inspiration for countless composers for the past 900 years. We will feature some of these great works today on Notes From Above