Michiana Adventist Forum: Adriana Perera, Oct. 21

Michiana Adventist Forum presents "Adventist Music: The Contemporary Challenge" with Adriana Perera, chair of the Andrews University Department of Music, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 3:30 p.m. in the biology amphitheater, Price Hall, Science Complex.

About the Speaker

Adriana Perera is currently completing her doctoral studies at the Universidad Catolica de Argentina, where she is a DMA candidate in music composition. Prior to coming to Andrews, she taught music theory and composition at Oakwood University, and before that, she served as the chair of the J.S.Bach Conservatory in Sagunto, Spain. She also taught music and worship at the Adventist Theological Seminary of Sagunto, Spain.

She was born in Uruguay, where she started piano lessons at the age of 6. She continued her musical studies in piano, music theory, orchestral conducting and composition in Argentina, Spain and the United States. More than 200 sacred pieces written by her are currently performed by choirs, orchestras and soloists around the world. As a composer and recording artist, she has co-produced six album CDs with her sacred musical works.

Perera is an international speaker who has lectured on music and worship in several countries of Europe, South America, North America and the Caribbean. She has published several articles and two books on the topic of music and worship: “En espiritu y en verdad” (Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2013); and “More than Music: Worship” (Biblio Publishing, 2017). Her research interests include the African American music legacy and its influence on contemporary choral works.

She is married to Francisco Burgos. They have two children: Laia and Marcos.

About the Topic

Christian music reflects Christian theology. As we commemorate the 500-year anniversary of the Reformation, it is opportune to reflect on how Martin Luther denounced pagan traditions and rituals that permeated Christian music for centuries. Luther brought fresh, participatory, Christ-centered songs that went in line with the biblical principles of the Reformation.

What do our music styles convey about our theology of worship in the SDA Church? Should music be distinctive in Adventism? What is the church's vision regarding music and the arts as expressions of worship? Albert Einstein stated: “I want to know God’s thoughts – the rest are mere details.” What are God’s thoughts on music and worship in the light of Scriptures?

Adventist Forum is open to the public. All are welcome. For information, contact Art Robertson at robertsa2@earthlink.net or call 269-471-7150.