Larry Karpenko’s “The River” – A Deeply Spiritual Journey Through Music

In “The River”, Loma Linda-based composer Larry Karpenko offers a moving orchestral ballad that transcends genre and touches the soul. Inspired by his days at a boarding high school nestled along the Shenandoah River, the song reflects a yearning for peace, security, and divine connection. With serene piano and harp passages that mimic the gentle flow of water, Larry paints the river not just as a place, but as a metaphor for God’s enduring love, a current that "runs through my heart."

The track reaches new heights with a choral swell, as if angelic voices rise to meet the spiritual intensity of the moment. Just when the listener is enveloped in calm, the familiar hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” emerges powerfully orchestrated with brass, percussion, and ringing handbells, echoing like joyous church bells on a Sabbath morning.

Thanks to the guidance of opera singer Charles Reid and music transcription by Adriana Perera, “The River” has grown from a college composition into a fully orchestrated masterpiece. Its upcoming premiere on May 17, 2025, promises a heavenly blend of heart, faith, and sound. “The River” isn’t just music, it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and be still.

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