As the Philharmonic was preparing to release a Christ-centered Christmas album, we really wanted to find a way to connect our classical roots to the message of the Son of God. Schubert’s Ave Maria is one of the most celebrated tributes to Christ’s birth and Mary in all of musical history. Marshall McDonald brought a lush, current sound to the two hundred year old composition and the amazing Lexi Walker did the rest. The audio and video are all students who were 14 to 18 at the time we recorded. These youth choose to spend their discretionary time, talent, and resources making music that inspires. Music that has the potential to reach others and help them see the good in the world, in themselves, and lead people to Jesus Christ. Located in beautiful Alpine Utah is this enormous barn — so large we could fly drones inside the barn over the top of our 100 piece orchestra, actors, set, and of course the indescribable Lexi Walker. Just two weeks prior to the filming, Owen Grant Hunsaker was born (the son of American Heritage School Assistant Principal Blaine Hunsaker). Broadway performer and actor of stage and screen Dallyn Vail Bayles flew in from NY and connected us with Abby Elwood. They were preparing to perform the roles of Mary and Joseph in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ production of Savior of the World. Everything just came together for a perfect shoot. ENJOY!