Let There Be Peace On Earth
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In a breathtaking and emotionally resonant moment during the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s “Slay Bells” concert, soloist Steve Florio joined the full chorus in delivering Craig Courtney’s powerful arrangement of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller. Performed at Allendale United Methodist Church, this timeless anthem became more than just a song—it was a call to unity, a wish for healing, and the emotional heartbeat of the evening.
Florio’s solo was simple, clear, and deeply heartfelt. With a voice that carried sincerity and warmth, he delivered the opening lines—“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”—with a quiet strength that immediately drew the audience in. There was no theatricality in his approach, only earnestness and grace, which made his performance all the more moving.
Behind him, the chorus entered with gentle, layered harmonies that gradually built in power and presence. Craig Courtney’s arrangement allowed the ensemble to shine with restrained elegance, emphasizing clarity and emotional transparency over grandeur. The resulting sound was both intimate and expansive, filling the sanctuary with a sense of shared longing and collective hope.
What made this performance particularly powerful was its emotional contrast to the rest of Slay Bells—a concert known for its joyful mix of holiday camp, pop flair, and heartfelt tradition. Here, the glitter gave way to stillness, the laughter to contemplation. Together, Florio and the chorus gave the audience space to reflect not just on the holiday season, but on the deeper need for peace in the world and within ourselves.
As the final line echoed—“…and let it begin with me”—the sanctuary fell silent. For a long, tender moment, no one moved. Then, as the applause began, it rose not in bursts but in a sustained, grateful wave—a recognition that this was more than a performance; it was a message.
For a community that knows the importance of visibility, resilience, and chosen family, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”resonated deeply. In the voice of Steve Florio and the collective harmony of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay, peace felt not only possible—it felt personal.
This closing number didn’t just end the evening. It gave Slay Bells its soul. And in doing so, it reminded everyone present that peace—like music—starts with one voice, joined by many.