The MTC is known for singing music by great master composers

In the grand symphony of life, there are moments when we are called to embrace the beauty of diversity, to welcome the various melodies that life offers, each with its own rhythm and tone. Mack Wilberg, in his reflection on the MTC's repertoire, speaks to this profound truth when he says, "The MTC is known for singing music by great master composers, hymns, American music, Broadway numbers, popular songs, and inspirational music. If the audience doesn't like one genre, they need only wait for the next number." These words remind us that life, like music, is rich with variety, and that beauty and inspiration can be found in many forms. Whether we seek the classical masterpieces of the past, the stirring hymns of devotion, or the lively beats of popular songs, there is something for everyone, and all can be appreciated when we embrace the diversity of expression.

The ancients, too, understood the power of variety in their artistic expressions. Consider the great festivals of ancient Greece, where music, dance, and theater were woven together to celebrate the divinity of life. The Greeks, in their wisdom, understood that life itself is not a single, uniform note but a harmonious blend of many. The ancient bards, such as Homer, did not craft their epics with a singular tone or theme, but with a rich tapestry of poetry, music, and song that spanned the gamut of human emotion. In the same way, Mack Wilberg’s statement speaks to the beauty found in the diversity of the human spirit, in the many different forms of expression that stir the heart, awaken the soul, and connect us all.

The MTC's repertoire, with its wide range of musical styles, invites us to embrace life’s many flavors, just as the ancients celebrated the many facets of existence. When one genre fails to speak to us, we need only wait for the next, for life, like music, is constantly changing, constantly evolving. This is a reminder to us that even in the moments when we feel disconnected from the world around us, there is always something on the horizon—something new, something that will speak to us, if only we are willing to remain open to its arrival. Whether it is the grandeur of a master composer, the uplifting spirit of a hymn, or the joy of a Broadway tune, there is beauty to be found in each.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius spanned across many disciplines: from painting to engineering, from anatomy to architecture. Da Vinci did not focus on one single form of expression, but allowed himself to explore many different realms of human endeavor. It is through this variety of interests and expressions that he became one of the most influential figures in history. The lesson of Da Vinci is that by embracing the full spectrum of life, by participating in different forms of art and creation, we expand not only our own understanding but our capacity to inspire others.

Wilberg’s insight into the diversity of the MTC’s musical choices speaks to the deeper truth that inspiration comes from many sources. Life is not about searching for one perfect note but about experiencing the richness of what exists around us. It is about welcoming the changing melodies, understanding that every song—whether quiet and somber or bold and joyous—has its place in the grand orchestra of existence. This teaches us that we must never close ourselves off to any experience or emotion, but rather, we must seek the beauty in every moment, in every form, and in every expression of the human spirit.

The wisdom we gain from Wilberg’s reflection is that life itself is a concert—an ongoing performance in which the tempo may shift, the instruments may change, but the symphony always continues. The lesson is clear: do not seek only one kind of experience, but embrace the diversity of the human journey, knowing that each moment brings a new opportunity for growth, understanding, and inspiration. Life, like music, is not about finding only what we know and love, but about being open to the full range of experiences—some familiar, some new, but all contributing to the greater harmony of our lives.

To the generations to come, take this wisdom with you: life is a symphony that invites you to embrace the full spectrum of sound and experience. Do not limit yourself to only one note, but open yourself to the variety and depth of what life offers. Just as the MTC’s repertoire encompasses everything from master composers to inspirational music, so too does life offer an array of experiences that, when embraced, will bring greater understanding and joy. Let this guide you, for in the diversity of life’s offerings lies its true beauty, and in embracing that diversity, we find the richness of the human spirit.