About The Living Christ Oratorio
Music by Shawn McLelland / Vocal Arrangment by Shawn McLelland and Cathy Jolley
Words by The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I’ve been a musician for many years, but this project is unlike anything I’ve ever done. I don’t read music and had never written a choral piece-let alone an oratorio. Most of my background is in pop music.
In April 2024, while serving as a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was awakened in the night with a strong prompting to help the youth memorize The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles. Knowing how powerful music can be for both memorization and for engraving truth deep into our hearts, I set out to put the words to music. At first, I doubted myself and gave up after several attempts. The words felt impossible to set to music, and I questioned who I was-given my limited experience-to attempt such a task. But the promptings continued. Little by little, through flashes of inspiration and with my wife’s encouragement, the music began to take shape.
A year later, in April 2025, I completed the final measures-just as I discovered it was the 25th anniversary of the document itself. As I listened to the finished work, I knelt and thanked my Heavenly Father for allowing me the privilege of being part of such a sacred experience.
My hope is that this oratorio helps others feel and remember who Jesus Christ is. I know He lives, and I thank God for “the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
Playlists
DOWNLOADABLE AUDIO FILES
Full Version
YouTube
About the composer
Shawn McLelland
Shawn McLelland and his wife Cheryl live in Highland, Utah and are the parents of four children, and grandparents of 11 and counting. He enjoys mountain biking, music production, and serving in his church callings and community.
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