The third movement of "Let the Word Go Forth," a choral/orchestral work commissioned by Music Celebrations International in remembrance of President John F. Kennedy, marking 50 years since his assassination. This recording comes from the National Presidents Day Choral Festival, conducted by Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, held at the Kennedy Center, February 3, 2013.

I hope that every American, regardless of where he lives, will stop and examine his conscience about this. (JFK Civil Rights Address, June 11,
1963)

When saw we thee a stranger? When saw we thee an hungered? Naked or clothed thee; sick or in prison; or thirsty gave thee drink? Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least, ye have done it unto me. (from Matt. 25: 37-40 KJV)

One hundred years of delay have passed since Lincoln freed the slaves. Yet their heirs are not yet free from the bonds of injustice; and this nation shall not be free until all its citizens are free. We face a moral crisis, we face a moral issue as old as the scriptures and clear as the constitution.

It is time to act in the congress, it is time to act in your state, it is time to act in your homes and in your daily lives. This is one country. (JFK Civil
Rights Address)

Let the Word Go Forth mvmt. 3: "Crisis of Conscience"

Andrew Steffen (b.1990) is an American choral composer and conductor int he Dallas/Fort Worth area.  He earned his Bachelors of Music Education (Choral) from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (2013) and Masters degree in Choral Conducting from Oklahoma State University with Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. 

From 2011 to 2013, Andrew served as the composer-in-residence for The Master Singers in Eau Claire, WI.  In his time with the ensemble, The Master Singers recorded his works on several CDs.   

Andrew’s works are performed with increasing frequency and featured at reading sessions and conventions across the country.  His compositions have won several prestigious competitions including the Raymond W. Brock Student Composition Competition, sponsored by ACDA.  The winning work, "Spells of Herrick", was premiered at the 2015 national convention in Salt Lake City.  Additionally, in 2013, Andrew’s work "Adoro te, Devote" won the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association Student Composition Contest.

His works are published through Walton Music, Alliance, and Colla Voce.  For more information, visit Andrew’s website at www.apsteffen.com

Let the Word Go Forth mvmt. 3: "Crisis of Conscience"

Ethan Wickman