Program Note:   

John Newton composed the original words and music of Amazing Grace, a Christain hymn which first appeared in print in Newton's 1779 Olney Hymns. This arrangement of the piece consists of seven variations which in turn highlight the strings, the trombone, piano trio, string quartet, solo piano, and jazz trombone improvisation. The variations are dedicated to Pat and Judy Strosahl, guiding spirits of the Seasons Music Festival, for which Hagen served as artistic director and head of faculty from 2005-2013. Confected for the entire faculty to perform together to kick off the 2009 Festival, it was first performed by vocalists Gilda Lyons and Robert Frankenberry, with trombonist Chris Brubeck, the  Finisterra Piano Trio, the Kairos String Quartet, and bassist Brooke Creswell on 11 October 2009 in the Seasons Performance Hall, Yakima, Washington, under the direction of the composer.