The Mission of the New Life Symphony Orchestra is to share the Gospel through the symphony halls of the world.
The New Life Symphony Orchestra [NLSO] is mobilizing Christian instrumentalists to use their God-given gifts and talents to share the Gospel. The orchestra is unique in that it is targeting the symphony halls of the world, reaching a strata of society that would typically never step foot in a church. All of the instrumentalists of the NLSO volunteer their time to prepare and perform free, world-class concerts for the DFW community. Financial donations received at these concerts permit, in part, the orchestra’s larger involvement in our community and throughout the world.
The NLSO evaluates its success by concert attendance, in-kind support, number of loyal patrons, feedback from local and international ministry partners, conversions, and testimonies from members of the orchestra. The NLSO draws an average of 1,500 attendees for each of its semi-annual performances. The orchestra receives annual in-kind and professional support valued at nearly $4,000,000.00. Local fund-raising concerts consist of classical masterworks, while mission trip “performances” include symphonic arrangements of hymns (with an explanation of the hymn texts), reading of Scripture, faith stories from members of the orchestra and a clear presentation of the Gospel from the “man of peace” in the ministry location.
World-renowned Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Russia was the venue for the orchestra’s most recent mission trip performance. Kirill Goncharenko, Executive Director of the Logos Christian Center and Institute for Sacred Music in Moscow, said that it was the first time Scripture had been read in the prestigious hall. Gennady Sergienko, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Moscow, reported that the local authorities were very pleased with the event, and that its success was important for future ministry. The event was televised on the Culture channel in every city across Russia.
Involvement in Russia was not limited to evangelistic performances. The orchestra raised over $1,600 for the Logos Institute and donated music stands used on the trip along with 40 symphonic arrangements of hymns. Free clinics on arranging, conducting and rehearsal technique were given to the college students at the institute. One of our musicians even donated his tuba!
Orchestra members who participated in the ministry efforts in Russia experienced spiritual revival, which cultivated a yearning for ministry back home in the States. This has led to partnerships with Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Dallas, Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Children's Medical Center in Plano and Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.
Contributors have a significant role in the success of the orchestra. Many of the instrumentalists on the Russia mission trip would have been unable to participate had it not been for the generosity of numerous individuals. Local ministry efforts to the homeless and to sick children are made possible by loyal supporters of all ages and levels of income. Click here to partner with us.
