Music that heals: American Pops Orchestra's Luke Frazier at the helm of 'How Great Thou Art' on PBS

Nov. 25—Luke Frazier has waited months for a performance in May to air on PBS.

The wait is not too much longer as "How Great Thou Art, A Sacred Celebration" will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1.

Frazier, founder of The American Pops Orchestra, wanted to pay homage to the spiritual part of his upbringing.

"For me, I had two big inspirations," Frazier says. "One was my elementary music school teacher and the other one was church. I wanted to do a special like this for quite a while. When I started putting it together, I knew that no matter what kind of church you grew up in, you would relate to the music and the message. I wanted to pick people that had a deep repertoire and pull from a lot of different genres."

The concert was held on May 16, at National United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C.

The special features performances across classical, contemporary, Motown and country genres.

Bringing together renowned solo vocalists, a 25-piece ensemble of The American Pops Orchestra, and a robust combined choir from community groups and churches in the Washington, D.C. area, this concert represents the vast fellowship that is united through sacred pieces.

Frazier wanted to keep the line up diverse, so he put in upbeat ensemble numbers, breathtaking ballads and brand-new arrangements.

It includes performances from the Godmother of Soul, R&B singer and actress Patti LaBelle, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, Grammy Award-winning singer Sandi Patty, Grammy Award-winning baritone Will Liverman, and celebrated artists Tyler Hughes, Haselden Ciaccio, and Stephanie Duckworth who make up The Empty Bottle Trio.

"Since a very early age, some of the music that has inspired me the most is from being raised in the church," says LaBelle. "That music created a foundation for my love of singing. And I have never lost that love and passion for this music. No matter your religion or beliefs, sacred music has the power to inspire, uplift, motivate and comfort us."

Frazier was able to get a great lineup of performers because of the music.

"It's always an honor and a musical joy to work with The American Pops," Patty says. "Not only do we get to make great music together this evening, but we get to share the beautiful sacred songs of my faith."

Frazier felt like a concert like this should happen to bring people together.

"There's a lot of learning going on here," he says. "I think right now where the world is, we need more understanding. We need things that will bring us together."

Frazier grew up performing in church.

"What's so funny is that my only paying jobs were working in the church," Frazier says. "That's why I'm still doing this."

Frazier says The American Pops Orchestra performs the shows for free and often travels around the country performing for schools.

"What people don't realize is they can request a performance and we'll try to get it done," Frazier says. "I'm really looking forward to getting out to New Mexico to do some programming with some of the areas out there. It's important that we take this message around the country."

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