It was twelve months ago this month that we had the idea to record and produce Hymns II. In addition to a new album, we wanted to also have it be accompanied by an immersive musical experience celebrating the life, sacrifice, and mission of Jesus Christ. We are excited to present our musical take on the many beloved, sacred and spiritual songs that have meant so much to so many over the years. 

May the love of God and the spirit of Jesus Christ, the resurrected Lord, fill your soul with joy, hope, and peace this Easter as we celebrate the King of Kings.

— The Gents

Recently named by Utah Valley Magazine as one of Utah’s Fab40 Under 40, Bradley Quinn Lever’s powerful high tenor voice has been lauded by critics and audiences alike. Notable theatrical credits include: Les Misérables (Enjolras, Val Jean US.), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), and Disney’s Tarzan: The Musical (Tarzan). Bradley Quinn is an alumnus of Westminster College, where he played on the varsity soccer team and toured internationally with the Chamber Singers. Bradley also appeared as the lead vocalist in the 2012 U.S. National Tour of Michael McLean’s highly acclaimed show, The Forgotten Carols. When not on stage, He enjoys spending time in the sun and traveling with his wife Leslie, baby Jasmine, and puppy Nala Roo.

Brad is a singer, actor, and speaker. Some of his favorite musical theater credits include Les Miserables (Marius), Phantom of the Opera (Andrea/Phantom u.s.), and Beauty and the Beast (Beast). He has presented as a guest lecturer at universities and business events across the state. Brad was two-time president of the BYU Young Ambassadors, a group with which he toured Scandinavia, Southern Africa, and Asia. Musical influences include: Josh Groban, Ramin Karimloo, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Brad is a huge fan of the popular TV show, “The Office,” and also enjoys  pickleball, traveling, and college football. Most notably, he and his wife, Shae, became first time parents last year to a beautiful baby girl. 

Casey is known for his powerful vocal and acting ability. Stage credits include: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (HCT), Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities (HCT), Radames in Aida (National/International Tours, HCT). Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Film credits include: Destined At. Christmas (GAC), Lamb of God: Concert Film (BYUtv), Retreat To Paradise (Amazon Prime), An Hour Behind (Amazon Prime), Joseph Smith: American Prophet (PBS), Out of Liberty (Amazon Prime), Green Flake (Independent), and Daniel and the Lions (Liken The Scriptures). Casey loves skiing, mountain biking, golf, and pretending to know what he’s doing on DIY projects around the house.

Stephen Nelson is a composer, producer, songwriter, and most notably the quiet guy behind the piano. In addition to producing GENTRI’s music, he has worked with The Piano Guys, David Archuleta, Mat & Savanna Shaw, Madilyn Paige, and Lexi Walker. His award-winning music can be heard on radio, television, Emmy Award-winning films, and Billboard Chart-topping albums. When he’s not at the studio or on stage you can find him rock climbing, exploring new restaurants, befriending stray cats. Stephen is grateful for his family and friends who remind him that the most meaningful melody is found in sharing your life with those you love.

Dr. Craig Jessop is Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Masters of Conducting Program with a Choral Emphasis at Utah State University.    From 2010 to 2018 Dr. Jessop served as the first Dean of the Caine College of the Arts at USU.  This appointment followed Dr. Jessop’s distinguished tenure as Music Director of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in Salt Lake City and as Head of the Department of Music at Utah State University.    He is the founder and Music Director of the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra which in 2018 celebrated their 10thanniversary with a critically acclaimed tour to England, including performances at Ely Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral and Holy Trinity Church, Sloan Square, London. He has served as the music director of the Carnegie Hall National High School Choral Festival sponsored by the Weill Institute of Music at Carnegie Hall.   For the past 10 years Dr. Jessop continues to serve as the Music Director of the National Memorial Day Choral Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his appointment with the Tabernacle Choir, Dr. Jessop was a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force music programs, where he served as director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants in Washington, D.C. (1980-1987); as commander and conductor of the Band of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein, Germany (1987-1991); and as commander and conductor of the Air Combat Command Heartland of America Band (1991-1995).   He has also been music director of the Maryland Choral Society, the Rhineland-Pfalz International Choir of Germany and the Omaha Symphonic Chorus.   He started his career as a choral music educator at Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Utah.   Dr. Jessop has a Bachelor of Science in Music from Utah State University, 1973; Master of Arts fin Choral Music Education from Brigham Young University, 1976; and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from Stanford University, 1980.

In 2019 Dr. Jessop received the coveted Days of 47 Pioneer of Progress Award in Education from the Days of 47 Foundation, one of the State of Utah’s most prestigious recognitions for service in education.   In 2018 Dr. Jessop received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in Arts Education from the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education.  In 2017 Dr. Jessop was named the Educator Laureate by Distinguished Concerts International New York at Carnegie Hall.  In 2016 he received the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Award, the highest award in the Arts from the State of Utah, from Governor Gary Herbert as well as the Art Administrator of the Year Award at the National Convention of the College Orchestra Director’s Association (CODA) in Salt Lake City.   In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Utah, Dr. Jessop received the 2014 Governor’s Mansion Performing Artist Award bestowed by Governor Gary Herbert.   In 2013 he received the prestigious Madeleine Award for distinguished service to the Arts and Humanities by the Madeleine Arts and Humanities Council and in 2012 he was awarded the Utah National Guard’s Minuteman Award for service to the State of Utah.

Under his direction, the Tabernacle Choir received numerous awards, including the coveted National Medal of Arts in a ceremony at the White House.   He has recorded over 15 CDs on the Telarc and MTC labels with the Choir and in 2008 received a Grammy nomination for his work with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Founded in 2008 by Dr. Craig Jessop, the American Festival Chorus & Orchestra has become a leading artistic voice in Northern Utah and has sought to enrich the lives it touches through performance, education, and appreciation of choral art. 

The auditioned Chorus brings together more than 200 singers from a 90-mile radius, including talented singers from the community, Utah State University faculty, and outstanding USU students.  The Orchestra is a 65-member professional ensemble composed of faculty from USU’s music department, professional musicians from the region, and select USU students.

Director and Conductor Dr. Craig Jessop is Professor of Music and the founding Dean for the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University.  These appointments follow Dr. Jessop’s distinguished tenure as music director of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Prior to this, Dr. Jessop’s long and storied career includes serving as director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants in Washington, D.C.; as conductor of the Band of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe; and as director of the Maryland Choral Society.