La Porte High School String Orchestra
March 25, 11 a.m. worship
On Sunday, March 25, the La Porte High School String Orchestra, La Porte, Texas, will provide service music for our 11 o’clock worship. Included in their repertoire will be “Adagio” by Tomaso Albinoni and “Pavanne” by Peter Warlock. Highlighting the visit will be a combination of the orchestra with the Chancel Choir as they offer a transcription of “Pie Jesu” by Gabriel Faure.
Meet the Composer – Joesph M. Martin
Sunday, February 5, in 11 a.m. worship and at a 4 p.m. recital
Composer/Pianist Joseph M. Martin is our guest for a revival of our “Meet the Composer” weekend. Mr. Martin is one of the most prolific and respected composers of choral anthems and musicals in our time. He serves Shawnee Press as Director of Sacred Publications in addition to his constant schedule as artist and clinician. He is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Texas when he received a Master of Music in Piano Performance degree. He has played with symphony orchestras in America and South America in addition to solo recitals throughoutAmerica. As a composer his diverse musical styles can be heard in almost every church and public school in our country but also in Carnegie Hall or the Lawrence Welk Theater in Branson, Missouri. A native of South Carolina, his “down home” presentation always brings a special warmth to his recitals in addition to his outstanding musical artistry. Mr. Martin will direct our Chancel Choir in worship on February 5 and then will present a piano recital of his hymn arrangements and original compositions at 4 p.m. that afternoon in our sanctuary.
The Festival Singers of Florida
Saturday, January 21, 8:00 p.m. $10.00, tickets at the door
The Festival Singers of Florida is a highly select, auditioned choral ensemble consisting of women and men from throughout Florida. Several advocates of choral music have joined together to create a choir that will serve singers and patrons of Central Florida. Dr. Kevin Fenton serves as the ensemble’s conductor.
Our mission is “to provide an artistic outlet and promote musical growth for outstanding singers in Florida. The Festival Singers of Florida is dedicated to expanding the awareness and appreciation of the choral arts in Central Florida and the Southeast by providing community performances of the highest quality.”
The King’s Brass
Thursday, January 12, 7:30 p.m., in the sanctuary
The King’s Brass is led by Tim Zimmerman and features three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, percussion and keyboards. Formed over 30 years ago, the group is made up of professional musicians from across the country. More than a musical ensemble, the King’s Brass shares their faith along with their excellent musical ability as they use their instruments to lead others in praise and worship. Their innovative, entertaining and inspiring concerts have pleased audiences and critics throughout America as they travel to every part of our country. They have recorded 14 albums that represent a mixture of standard hymn arrangements, folk songs and contemporary pieces. The concert is free and will be presented in the sanctuary at 7:30 p.m.
“What Child Is This?” Annual Chancel Choir Christmas Concert with Orchestra
December 19, at 7:30, our Chancel Choir presented its annual formal concert with full orchestra in the sanctuary. This year the title was “What Child Is This?” taken from one of the wonderful arrangements offered for your enjoyment. The glorious sounds of the symphony orchestra, the beauty of the human voice and the superb acoustics of the newly renovated sanctuary make this program a special holiday gift to the congregation and community. Familiar carols in majestic arrangements included in this year’s program were: “The First Noel,” “What Child Is This?” “Deck the Halls,” “Sing We Now of Christmas,” “Gesu Bambino” “Angels from the Realms of Glory” and, back from 2010,“The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Many other exciting seasonal works from great composers round out the concert. This annual concert is offered free of charge as a gift to the community by the Friends of Music.
“Ding Dong Desserts” The handbell choirs ring Christmas music
December 15, at 7 p.m., our two bell choirs reprised their very successful “Ding Dong Desserts” program from last year. The crystalline sound of handbells work so well with Christmas music that you might imagine handbells were invented just for the Christmas season. This program was in our vibrant new gathering place.
“Sing We Now of Christmas” A Christmas concert by our women’s ensemble, One Voice, and our men’s quartet, Him Tunes.
December 11, at 4 p.m., One Voice and Him Tunes offered a delightful afternoon of holiday music, the first concert ever in the new chapel. One Voice, our women’s trio, and Him Tunes, our men’s quartet, shared the concert, singing Christmas music from their respective repertoires but also coming together for several combined numbers. Whether singing separately or creating a new octet, they offered us a great way to start our holiday programming. Adding the beauty of our new chapel to the afternoon made this a special treat.
