The Temple Theatre was transformed into a mystical setting Sunday afternoon when The Deer’s Cry presented Songs of Light. The misty-foggy forest scene on the curtain behind the performers added to the tranquility of the performance.      

The group gets its name, The Deer’s Cry, from a translation of the Old Irish prayer, St. Patrick’s Breastplate.

The ensemble is led by founder Karen Ballew, singer, songwriter, and Celtic harpist. Amberly Rosen Hoins was the violinist, Cherish Hamby sang and played the guitar, Caleb Yang was the cellist, and Kyle Jones was the percussionist and drummer. Each member of the group has won numerous music awards.    

According to Ballew, the ensemble explores the beauty and symbolism of the spiritual, consistently reminding listeners of both the vastness of the universe and the importance of their role in it.

Ballew explained, “Music itself cannot cure all the wrong in the world, but there is much we can do through art to remind one another of the beauty of our universe, the intrinsic worth of every living creature, the interconnected nature of all things, and the invitation to be a part of a story bigger than ourselves.”

Ballew began the program reading a tranquil poem she had written, which was followed by “Oh Blessed Light.”

During the performance, Hoins and her mother danced an Irish jig with her mother holding Hoins’ baby daughter. It was a special moment during the program changing to a more jovial mood. Later in the program, Ballew danced gracefully to an Asian tune.

Hamby sang and played the guitar as she performed a song she had written about a dream she had when she was 12 years old, which she titled “Cherish’s Dream.”

The ensemble ended the program performing “The Parting Glass,” a song often song in Ireland at the end of a gathering or at the end of a funeral.

The group received a standing ovation at the end of their performance. Many of those attending commented on the beauty of the afternoon.