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A Nation-Wide Musical Tribute to Bishop Gene Robinson Celebrates Hope, Inclusion, and the Power of Song
ATLANTA, GA — At a time when civil discourse and social cohesion feel increasingly fragile, a powerful new musical work seeks to remind communities across the nation of enduring values: dignity, love, and radical welcome. A consortium of churches, community choruses, and cultural institutions has come together to honor The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson—the first openly gay bishop in the history of Christianity—through a newly commissioned musical composition titled Our Wildest Imagining.
“This is the honor of a lifetime,” shares Bishop Robinson, who made history in 2003 when he was consecrated as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, becoming the first openly gay and partnered bishop in historic Christianity. “The words and uplifting music of this remarkable composition point to something the world needs to hear, especially right now — that the most important assertion of faith is that we are all welcomed, cherished, and loved by God — yes, beyond our wildest imagining.”
The Atlanta debut will occur during the annual Pride Eucharist at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 435 Peachtree St. NE, on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. The composer and Bishop Robinson will lead a forum at 9 a.m. in Budd Hall. Robinson will preach at the 10 a.m. service. Guests are invited to the St. Luke’s community as the Atlanta Pride Parade marches down Peachtree Street.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration of Communities
Unlike many compositions born in solitude, Our Wildest Imagining was shaped through an unprecedented collaborative process. Ten institutions—ranging from All Saints Church in Pasadena to the Washington National Cathedral—joined forces to envision, fund, and guide the creation of the piece. Each partner contributed to shaping both its musical and theological dimensions.
The Composer’s Deeply Personal Connection
Dr. Dominick DiOrio, a renowned conductor and composer based at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, was chosen to bring this vision to life. For DiOrio, the project is profoundly personal. “As a gay teenager growing up in New Hampshire during Bishop Gene’s consecration, I suddenly saw a future I didn’t know was possible,” he shares. “Now, as an adult, it’s an honor to channel the hope that Gene gave me back into a musical work that honors him and tells a larger, collective story.”
Drawing on Robinson’s sermons, writings, and recordings, DiOrio created an expansive yet intimate piece that encapsulates themes of faith, resilience, and radical inclusivity.
Music with a Mission—and a Message
The seven-minute composition is designed for flexible performance: adaptable for choirs, soloists, and a range of worship or concert settings. Versions include SATB (soprano, alto, tenor bass) choir with organ, TTBB (men’s chorus), and a solo voice arrangement suitable for smaller institutions and students studying voice—each celebrating the intersection of sacred music and LGBTQ+ visibility.
A Call to Hope, Across America
From sacred spaces to concert halls, the musical work will begin its series of premiere performances in venues across the U.S. this June through the end of 2025. Media opportunities include access to premiere performances, behind-the-scenes rehearsals suitable for digital and B-roll content, and interviews with Bishop Robinson, Dr. DiOrio, and consortium representatives.
“Now more than ever, we need to sing from the rooftops of God’s unconditional love for us, which knows no bounds and rejects the notion of a judgmental and severe God,” says Robinson. “St. Augustine was right in saying that singing is like praying twice, and this new composition does so with beauty, grandeur, and grace. I am humbled and honored that such a composition would reflect so well my own love for and gratitude toward God.”
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Consortium Members Include
All Saints Church (Pasadena, CA)
Chautauqua Institution
Christ Church Cathedral (Indianapolis, IN)
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC & GenOUT Youth Chorus
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta, GA)
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Philadelphia, PA)
St. Thomas’ Parish Episcopal Church (Washington, DC)
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (New York, NY)
Washington National Cathedral (Washington, DC)
Friends of Bishop Robinson
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St. Luke's Episcopal Church - Atlanta, GA, 435 Peachtree St NE,Atlanta, Georgia, United States
