local Musicians Set to Launch New Concert Series Featuring Organ, Strings, and Brass
Table of Contents
- 1. local Musicians Set to Launch New Concert Series Featuring Organ, Strings, and Brass
- 2. A Masterful Collaboration
- 3. The Artists and Their Backgrounds
- 4. A Diverse Repertoire
- 5. Continued Performances Throughout the Season
- 6. the Enduring Appeal of Concert Series
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions About the Concert Series
- 8. What role does the chapel’s acoustic design play in enhancing the concert experience?
- 9. Organ and Orchestra Unite: The Grand Opening of the IHM Chapel Concert Series
- 10. A Historic Collaboration in Sacred Music
- 11. The Program: A Symphony of Sound and Space
- 12. The IHM Chapel Organ: A Masterpiece of Engineering
- 13. The Orchestral Partner: The Archyde Philharmonic
- 14. Benefits of Attending the Concert Series
A captivating new musical journey is set to commence on October 12th at 3 p.m., as teh Ihm Chapel Concert Series unveils its latest season. The inaugural performance, titled “Pipes, Strings and a Little bit of Brass,” promises an eclectic mix of classical compositions and the vibrant energy of community performers.
A Masterful Collaboration
The concert will feature James H. Gladstone, a renowned Organist, performing on the IHM Casavant organ.Joining him will be the Monroe County Community College College/Community Orchestra, under the direction of Ann Felder, alongside the skilled musicians of Rivers End Brass. Their combined talents are poised to deliver an unforgettable auditory experience.
The Artists and Their Backgrounds
Gladstone, originally from Marshall, boasts a long and impressive career in church music, having served in Lutheran and Episcopal congregations since his high school years. He is currently the part-time music minister at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Lorenz in Frankenmuth. He will showcase his versatility with both solo organ pieces and collaborative performances with the brass and string ensembles.
The MCCC College/Community Orchestra, founded approximately a year and a half ago by Felder, provides a valuable performance outlet for adult string players, and has evolved into a fully-fledged class at Monroe County Community College, open to both students and community residents. Rivers End Brass, comprised of musicians from Monroe and neighboring areas, will further enrich the concert with their brass arrangements.
A Diverse Repertoire
The program includes a variety of selections. Listeners can anticipate Bach’s “My Spirit Be Joyful” from Cantata 146, featuring trumpet accompaniment, and Mozart’s “Sonata in F” specifically crafted for strings and organ. The concert will also showcase the powerful toccata from Charles-Marie Widor’s Fifth Organ Symphony, expertly arranged for organ and brass by Richard Proulx.
The orchestra will also perform excerpts from Purcell’s Abdelazer Suite, including “Rondeau” and “Air,” the first movement of Dvorak’s “Serenade for Strings,” and Gaspar Sanz’s “Canarios.” Rivers End Brass will present an independant set, culminating in a rendition of the iconic theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
| Piece | Composer | Ensemble |
|---|---|---|
| My Spirit Be Joyful | Johann Sebastian Bach | Organ & Brass |
| Sonata in F | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Strings & Organ |
| Toccata (Symphony No. 5) | charles-Marie Widor | Organ & Brass |
| Rondeau & Air | Henry Purcell | Orchestra |
Did you know? The Casavant organ, a cornerstone of the Ihm Chapel Concert Series, is a complex instrument with thousands of pipes, each contributing to its rich and varied sound.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the program and ensure you secure the best seating.
Continued Performances Throughout the Season
The ihm Chapel concert Series will continue to deliver monthly performances through April.Upcoming events include a community rendition of Handel’s Messiah, a festive presentation by the John Tyner Chorale – “Lessons and Carols: A Festival of Church Choirs” – performances by the Eastern Michigan University Choirs and Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, and a concert from the Whiteford High School Choirs, directed by Todd Schreiber.
Admission to all concerts is free, with attendees encouraged to contribute through a free-will offering to support the series. The IHM Chapel Concert Commitee includes Catherine Brodie, Linda Delene, Ann and Mark Felder, Joan Mumaw, Ellen Rinke, Kathleen russeau, and John Tyner.
the Enduring Appeal of Concert Series
Community concert series, like the Ihm Chapel Concert Series, play a vital role in fostering local arts and providing platforms for both established and emerging musicians. According to a 2023 study by the National Endowment for the Arts, attendance at classical music performances remains remarkably stable, demonstrating a sustained public interest in live musical experiences. Thes events offer accessible cultural enrichment and a sense of community spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Concert Series
- What is the Ihm Chapel Concert Series? It’s a series of monthly concerts held at Ihm Chapel, showcasing a variety of musical performances.
- are the concerts free to attend? Yes, admission is free, with an opportunity to donate if you wish.
- What kind of music will be featured? The series typically highlights classical music with a focus on local musicians.
- Where is Ihm Chapel located? Details regarding the location are available on the Ihm Chapel website.
- Is there parking available? Parking information can be obtained through the venue’s website or by contacting the organizers.
What are your thoughts on the importance of locally organized concert events? how do musical performances enrich your community?
What role does the chapel’s acoustic design play in enhancing the concert experience?
Organ and Orchestra Unite: The Grand Opening of the IHM Chapel Concert Series
A Historic Collaboration in Sacred Music
The Institute of Holy Music (IHM) Chapel is thrilled to launch its inaugural concert series, beginning with a extraordinary event uniting the power of the pipe organ and a full symphony orchestra. This series promises a unique and immersive experience for lovers of classical music, sacred choral works, and the architectural beauty of the IHM Chapel itself. The opening night, October 5th, 2025, will feature a program designed to showcase the dynamic interplay between these two majestic forces.
The Program: A Symphony of Sound and Space
The concert series’ opening performance will center around works specifically chosen to highlight the capabilities of both the IHM Chapel’s renowned organ and the accompanying orchestra.Expect a diverse program including:
* J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor: A cornerstone of organ repertoire, demonstrating the instrument’s dramatic range.
* widor’s Toccata from Symphony for Organ No. 5: Known for its thrilling climax, this piece will be powerfully enhanced by orchestral accompaniment.
* Selections from Handel’s Messiah: Orchestral arrangements of beloved choruses, featuring the chapel’s resident choir.
* A newly commissioned piece by contemporary composer, Eleanor Vance: Specifically written for organ, orchestra, and choir, exploring the sonic possibilities of the space.
This carefully curated selection aims to demonstrate the versatility of both the organ and the orchestra, moving from the Baroque grandeur of Bach and Handel to the Romantic intensity of Widor and the innovative spirit of modern composition.
The IHM Chapel Organ: A Masterpiece of Engineering
The IHM Chapel boasts a magnificent pipe organ,built in 1988 by the esteemed Flentrop Orgelbouw of Zaandam,Netherlands. This instrument is a prime example of Dutch Romantic organ building, renowned for its clarity, warmth, and mechanical precision.
* Specifications: The organ features 63 stops, encompassing over 4,000 pipes.
* Unique Features: Its mechanical key action provides a direct connection between the organist and the instrument, allowing for nuanced control and expressive playing.
* Acoustic Considerations: The chapel’s acoustics were specifically designed to complement the organ’s sound, creating a resonant and enveloping experience for listeners.
Understanding the instrument itself adds depth to the appreciation of the concert series. The Flentrop organ is not merely a musical instrument; it’s a work of art and a testament to centuries of organ-building tradition.
The Orchestral Partner: The Archyde Philharmonic
The Archyde Philharmonic, a regionally acclaimed orchestra, has been selected as the resident orchestral partner for the IHM Chapel Concert Series. Known for its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, the Philharmonic brings a wealth of experience and talent to this collaboration.
* Repertoire Focus: The orchestra specializes in both standard orchestral repertoire and contemporary works.
* Community outreach: The Archyde Philharmonic actively engages in educational programs and outreach initiatives throughout the region.
* Artistic Director: Led by Maestro Julian Devereux, the orchestra is poised to deliver performances of the highest caliber.
The partnership between the IHM Chapel and the Archyde Philharmonic represents a significant cultural investment in the community, providing access to world-class musical performances.
Benefits of Attending the Concert Series
Beyond the sheer enjoyment of beautiful music, attending the IHM Chapel Concert Series offers a range of benefits:
* cultural Enrichment: Exposure to diverse musical styles and traditions.
* Spiritual Upliftment: The sacred setting and the nature of the music can provide a deeply moving and inspiring experience.
* Community Connection: A shared experience that brings people together.
* Support for the Arts: Your attendance directly supports the IHM Chapel and the Arch
