Billy Childs’ In the Arms of the Beloved conveys a profound message of hope, eternal love and resilience, and is especially poignant in the wake of the devastation from the fires that decimated the beautiful communities of Altadena and the Palisades. That this work is rooted in the very land—Southern California—that endured such hardship adds an extra layer of emotional depth, making it not just an incredible composition, but a collective expression of grief and renewal.

The collaboration of such remarkable artists—Billy Childs, Dan Chmielinski, Christian Euman, Grant Gershon, Ola Gjeilo, Larry Koonse, Lyris Quartet, Carol Robbins, Luciana Souza, Eric Whitacre and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, truly speaks to the power of community. Each of these musicians brings their own unique voice, yet together create a harmonious blend that resonates beyond sound. The music is a balm for the soul, a way to honor the bravery of the firefighters and frontline workers, the many families who’ve been affected by the fires, helping them process their pain and find moments of peace amidst the chaos.

Music has an incredible ability to transcend the immediate and become timeless. This piece elevates my spirit and soul and allows me to reflect and reminisce. It also reminds me of how sound can act like a bridge, connecting us not just to each other, but to something larger—whether that’s the land, the shared human experience, or a collective healing.

This stunning music by Billy Childs, Ola Gjeilo, and Eric Whitacre feels like a beautiful gift—a way to transform tragedy into something redemptive, to carry the memory of those we’ve lost, and to honor the acts of courage and love that continue to surround us.