One of David Glen Hatch's most profound moments as a professional pianist took place because of a hymn. As the guest artist and speaker for BYU's Emeriti Alumni Association August summer activity, he described a concert where paying attention to the Spirit transformed an awkward moment into a transcendent experience.

"I had performed in Stockholm, Sweden to a gracious audience," he said. "After the concert they demanded a curtain call—even got a little rowdy and started stomping their feet as they applauded. I didn't have an encore, so I had nothing to play."

He bowed and left the stage. That wasn't sufficient. The audience demanded more. As he contemplated what he should do, he said the Spirit whispered and told him to play his arrangement of the hymn "How Great Thou Art."

Hatch rejected the notion, telling himself he had just performed a classical concert and the hymn just wouldn't work. He returned to the stage, bowed, and left. The crowd continued clamoring. Again he heard the voice tell him to play "How Great Thou Art." He rejected it. A third time, he said he heard, "Go play 'How Great Thou Art.'"

He entered the stage, played the hymn and looked at the audience. Hatch was surprised to see them standing in silent tribute, tears streaming down their faces. And then he realized this was a great protestant hymn especially beloved in Sweden because the composer was the Swedish pastor Carl Boberg.

"The hymn was inspired," he added, "and such music breathes love, life and happiness into this world of ours," he said.

Hatch's presentation is representative of the many activities planned for graduates of 40 years or more ago as well as retired faculty. For information about the BYU Emeriti Alumni Association, visit the Emeriti Alumni page.