About "One by One"

From the composer:

“One by One” is a sacred oratorio about the Savior’s ministry to the people in the Americas as recorded in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

When I heard Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s talk in the April 2023 General Conference calling us to celebrate Easter in creative ways, I remember the Spirit telling me, “You’ve gotta write an Easter song!” Little did I know that God would put a whole major work into my head years later. Bringing it to life has been very special.

I’ve been writing music ever since I was a little girl, but this piece was different. Every note was revelation. Some were immediate and obvious, and others I really struggled for, but it has been clear to me that God is in this. I am so grateful for the incredible musicians who have chosen to come on this journey with me to testify of Christ.

From a voice memo to the stage

"One by One" began as a voice memo in Hannah's phone, but quickly grew into something spectacular. She recalls, "It wasn't until after I had written down the little idea that the next idea would come. Truly the process was 'line upon line.'" A few months into her endeavor, she had a full draft of her hour long piece for orchestra, choir, soloists, and narrator. She said, "This is the piece God always wanted me to write."

FAQs

What is "One by One" about?

"One by One" is about the Savior's visitation to the Americas as recorded in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It begins with Samuel's prophecy, and follows the Nephites' experience in the Americas during Christ's birth, life and death. It highlights what it was like to be there when the resurrected Christ came and ministered to the Nephites "one by one." The crowning piece, "Oh Jesus" conveys the beautiful message that because of the Savior's atonement, we all can be "forgiven, for I am completely whole."

The oratorio also highlights the experience of a blind man, a one. In his solo song, the blind man humbly says to the Savior, "I don't mind being blind / But couldst Thou heal my heart." Many years later, after the Savior has ascended back into heaven, the blind man sings to his daughter, who was born after Christ came. He says to her, "I'm sorry that you didn't have the same chance to know Him / But believe me, in the flesh He came to me!" She responds in a way that teaches us all a profound truth: "I may not have touched His feet / but surely He has touched me! / There comes a day / when I, like you, will behold His face / He'll take me in His arms and say welcome home / But I could not know more than I already know / He's my Redeemer!"

We hope that you walk away from this oratorio knowing that "He still comes."

When was it written?

Hannah Evans began writing the oratorio in May 2025, and completed it in January 2026. After rehearsals began in January 2026, "One by One" premiered in the BYU Concert Hall on March 14, 2026. It was recorded by the original choir and orchestra, directed by Hannah in the state-of-the-art recording studio at BYU in March 2026.

Where can I see pictures?

Check out our Instagram and the gallery tab!

Is there a recording?

The studio recording will release later this year.

How can I learn more?

Follow us on Instagram, join the newsletter, or reach out to Hannah directly on our contact page!