SANCTUS (Roberts)

Composer: Leon Roberts

Leon began his piano studies at the age of six with a local teacher he knew as "Mr. Ben." His grandmother, Mrs. Mary Bookman, became a religious mentor in the musical growth of her grandson. Being from a family of devout Baptists, Methodists and Pentecostals, he gained an integrated understanding of faith. He first learned skills of directing congregational worship at his mother's church, the First Apostolic Fire Baptized Holiness Church of Coatesville. It was there that he also had a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ. His talents and strong faith in God were reflected in the musical groups that he formed and directed such as the "Voices of Love" and the "Jubali Movement of Southern Pennsylvania." Leon was equally talented dur… Go to person page >

Arranger: Hanan Yaqub

Hanan Yaqub has served since 1979 as Minister of Worship and Music at Trinity United Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana, California, where she directs an outstanding program of 12 choral and instrumental ensembles and plans weekly worship services known for their broad eclecticism. She is a graduate of Occidental College, California State University Fullerton, and the University of Southern California. Dr. Yaqub has taught choral music at the University of Southern California, California State University Fullerton, Chapman University, Scripps College, Cypress College, and Hope International University, and for 5 years was the artistic director of the Claremont Chorale. In 1993, she made her Carnegie Hall debut with choir and orchestra as gues… Go to person page >