Bringing back the hymns to Steinbach

It will be a family affair for Plum Coulee native Rosemary Siemens as she hosts a Bring Back the Hymns concert in Steinbach on Saturday.

A classically trained violinist, Siemens and her husband Eli Bennett are coming together to host an evening concert to raise funds for the ongoing ministry of Roseau River Bible Camp.

They will be joined by their children, five-year-old son Theodore Parker Bennett and three-year-old Amadeus Alexander Bennett as well as Rosemary’s parents, Jack and Mary Siemens.

Siemens boasts an impressive musical resume.

She has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall four times and was the first violinist to ever perform at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. She’s performed for two U.S. presidents and Canadian prime ministers and at the Grand Ole Opry.

Her husband Eli is an internationally award-winning saxophonist.

Though classical and jazz have figured prominently in their early careers, these days it’s all about the hymns.

Siemens explained they started their Bring Back the Hymns YouTube channel in 2019 as a side project.

When COVID hit and their scheduled gigs were cancelled, it became their focus.

With 550,000 subscribers and 130 million views, it’s become a phenomenon.

“This year people have watched our hymns for nine million hours,” Siemens said, adding that’s the equivalent of 1,030 years.

Despite the success she admits they had never planned to do Christian music.

“I always loved the hymns and incorporated them into my shows, but it was never going to be our entire focus because I trained classically and Eli was one of the top jazz musicians in the country,” she said. “It’s totally changed the course of our lives for the better and now we can do it as a family.”

That family atmosphere has translated into more people attending shows as well. Siemens said the last two concerts held in Ontario churches required extra seats set up in the foyers because of local interest.

Hymns for Siemens have always held a special place in her heart.

She said those were the first songs she heard as a child.

“That’s how I love to worship,” she said. “I love the deep meaning of the text. They (have) such rich theology. I love harmony, I love singing with people.”

“I appreciate the congregational singing that we’ve gone away from,” she said.

The pair developed a peaceful sleep compilation featuring 12 hours of hymns produced in a way she describes as peaceful and angelic. It’s something many use to fall asleep.

“They bring peace, they bring hope, they bring the gospel and there’s honestly nothing more fulfilling than hearing from people on how the channel is changing and touching lives,” she said.

And hymns aren’t just enjoyed by older generations.

“About 50 percent of our listeners are 45 and under,” she said. “People always think the hymns are for older people, but we can really see detailed analytics in our YouTube that is not the case.”

Siemens said she’d love to see churches bring back more hymns.

This concert, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Steinbach EMC (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) has no admission but a free will offering will be taken for Roseau River Bible Camp.

It’s a worthy cause for Siemens.

“I know how much good that those camps do for kids and teaching them Christian education I think is very important,” she said. “I’m very excited to do this for them.”

For those who watch the channel, they can expect a new video featuring the song Just as I am. The familiar altar call song from the Billy Graham crusades is partly a tribute to Graham.

Siemens has also had opportunity to share her faith and music with larger audiences.

In May, she and her husband, children and parents closed out the Inspirational Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry, and were asked to include an altar call which was done by Pastor Jonathan Shuttlesworth.

“God is opening these amazing venues now,” she said. “Over 70 percent of the Grand Ole Opry stood and either rededicated their lives to God or gave themselves to God.”

“I just love what God is doing with the hymns and how He is opening doors,” she added.

Fans can also expect a release of a video featuring Bringing in the Sheaves. It was recorded on the Siemens family heritage farm, featuring her father and brother as well.

Tickets to the concert can be reserved through Eventbrite or by calling 204-427-2445.