Community United Through Music at “A Hinsdale Hallelujah” Concert

Angie Grozdic
1 day ago
2 min read

GUEST AUTHOR:

Angie Grozdic

Communications Director,

Hinsdale SDA Church

HINSDALE, IL – Music and community came together in a powerful way on December 6, 2025 as Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted A Hinsdale Hallelujah, a large-scale sacred concert that served as a festive and meaningful opening to the Christmas season for the Hinsdale community.

The evening featured a two-part program showcasing both classical excellence and sacred tradition. The first half highlighted young pianist Justin Gjata, who performed Mozart’s Coronation Concerto. The second half presented Part One of Handel’s Messiah, including the beloved “Hallelujah Chorus,” performed by choir and orchestra. Both portions of the concert were presented under the direction of Reid Taylor of Musical Arts of Greater Chicago.

The performance included a 100+ voice choir comprised of singers from ten Seventh-day Adventist churches across the Chicagoland area. Advent Health Hinsdale Hospital staff members, community singers, and professional vocalists. They were joined by a professional orchestra and guest soloists affiliated with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, creating a rich and moving musical experience.

Supporting the production was a volunteer team of more than 50 Hinsdale SDA Church members, representing all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers served in roles ranging from hospitality and logistics to coordination and outreach.

Weekly rehearsals became more than preparation for a performance. Adventist members rehearsed alongside community and professional singers, forming new friendships and strengthening relationships that extended beyond church walls. Organizers noted that the rehearsal process itself became a meaningful expression of community and collaboration.

On the night of the concert, the church was filled with visitors from throughout the area, many attending a church-hosted event for the first time. Attendees described the evening as uplifting, reverent, and beautifully presented- setting the tone for the Christmas season through music that celebrated hope, joy, and the message of Christ.

The concert was sponsored in part by UChicago Medicine AdventHealth–Hinsdale Hospital, reflecting a shared commitment to serving the community and supporting initiatives that promote connection, well-being, and spiritual encouragement.

Program introductions and announcements were assisted by Kyle Glass, Regional Chief Financial Officer for UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, and Alice Hyde, music teacher at Hinsdale Adventist Academy, reflecting the partnership between faith, education, and healthcare within the community.

The concert concluded with closing remarks and a prayer offered by Elder Michael Campos, Executive Secretary and Vice President for Administration of the Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Referencing Isaiah 40:1, he encouraged attendees to experience the comfort, hope, and nearness of Christ during the Christmas season, reminding everyone that the One who came 2,000 years ago continues to be present today.

A Hinsdale Hallelujah stood as a testament to how music can unite diverse groups while marking the beginning of the Christmas season. Through collaboration, artistry, and shared purpose, the event offered the community a joyful and faith-filled start to Christmas, reminding all in attendance of the enduring power of music to bring people together.

Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.