Renowned violinist and singer Rosemary Siemens, together with her husband Eli Bennett, a celebrated saxophonist and producer, will perform at the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer held in Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol on May 7, 2026. This event is a significant gathering centered on faith and unity, drawing members of Congress, the Senate, and a worldwide audience through global broadcast.
The highlight of their performance will be the world premiere of Siemens’s original hymn “Path of Prayer,” a deeply personal composition written in 2018. Despite its popularity during live shows where audiences frequently requested a recording, Siemens chose to withhold its release until the right moment arrived. She believed the song was destined for a special occasion such as this national prayer event in Washington, D.C., making this debut especially meaningful.
Siemens’s connection to hymns runs deep. Having grown up in Manitoba within a family that led congregational singing for over fifty years, she treasures the tradition of hymns as more than just music—they are a communal legacy carried across generations. Her YouTube channel, “Bring Back the Hymns,” shares this heritage globally, reviving interest in hymns among both older generations who grew up with them and younger people discovering their timeless spiritual depth.
The resurgence of hymns reflects a broader trend in worship music where many churches have shifted focus toward modern praise songs. Siemens notes that hymns offer profound theological insight and emotional resonance that connect people across ages. This enduring power allows children and elderly congregants alike to sing together and experience genuine faith through music.
The National Day of Prayer has traditionally featured American artists, making Siemens and Bennett’s invitation as Canadian musicians a rare honor. Their family-centered ministry and dedication to hymnody align with this year’s theme: “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations” (1 Chronicles 16:24).
Looking ahead, Siemens plans to extend the movement with an unprecedented concert at Carnegie Hall on May 31, 2027. This event will invite choirs from around the world to audition and participate in what will be the first mass choir hymn performance staged at this iconic venue. It represents a milestone for hymn music’s place in both worship and cultural spaces.
From humble beginnings in her grandmother’s living room to national stages like the Capitol and Carnegie Hall, Rosemary Siemens’s journey underscores the enduring importance of worship songs about the church. Her work continues to inspire diverse audiences worldwide by reconnecting them with sacred music that speaks to real-life faith experiences.
