The Orchestra on the Hill Chamber Ensemble performs ‘Bach and Beyond’ in the historic Gloucester Meetinghouse
Author: chasnaz
‘The Americas, Land of Many Cultures,’ a choral concert by Albany Pro Musica and Camerata Coral from Puerto Rico
Saturday March 2nd 2019 at 3:30pm in the Gloucester Meetinghouse, corner of Church and Middle Streets
A festive choral concert in English and Spanish celebrating the diversity of the Americas presented by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation
The Americas, Land of Many Cultures. Distinctive harmonies and thrilling rhythms sung by two great choral ensembles will transport you in a journey celebrating diversity, multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and acceptance; the values that hold the Americas strong.
Puerto Rican chorus Camerata Coral join’s Albany Pro Musica Concert Chorus in homage to the musical heritage of the New World, featuring evocative music from North and South America and the Caribbean.
$45 Preferred, $30 General, $10 Students with ID, Under 12 free – Note: no one turned away due to lack of funds. Tickets at the door or in advance with more information at http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
PROGRAM
Albany Pro Musica: CANADA
Ambe by Andrew Balfour (b.1967)
I Lost my Talk by Jeff Enns (b.1972)
Come Home by Donna Rhodenizer (b.1961)
Snow Song by Trent Worthington (b.1963)
Camerata Coral: LATIN AMERICA
La flor de la canela, Chabuca Granda (1920-1983), arr. Luis Craff (Perú)
Soy pan, soy paz, soy más, letra: Luis Ramón Igarzábal música:Piero, arr. Julio Barragán Saucedo (Argentina)
Bésame mucho, Consuelo Velázquez (1916-2005), arr. Julio Morales (México)
Hoy mi Habana, José Antonio Quesada (b. 1960), arr. Ernesto Herrera (Cuba)
Cantos de Quisqueya, arr. Juan Tony Guzmán (Dominican Republic)
Intermission
Albany Pro Musica: USA
By and By by Carol Barnett (b.1949)
Sure on this Shinning Night by Morten Lauridsen (b.1943)
From a Railway Carriage by Steve Murray (b.1939)
A Jubilant Song by Norman Dello Joio (1913-2008)
Camerata Coral: PUERTO RICO
Piel canela, Bobby Capó (1922-1989), arr. Rubén Colón-Tarrats
Nave sin rumbo, Syvia Rexach (1022-1961), arr. Javier Asencio
Cedro abajo, Modesto Nieves (b.1951), arr. Jesús Ernesto Ochoa
Creo en Dios, Tony Croatto (1940-2005), arr. Eduardo Sarmiento Toledo
Homenaje a Maelo, Bobby Capó y Tite Curet Alonso (1926-2003), arr. Jesós Ernesto Ochoa
FINALE Choirs combined
Borinquen, Edmundo Disdier (1927-2016), arr. Rubén Colón-Tarrats
We Can Mend the Sky by Jake Runestad
The concert concludes with both choirs combined in the poignant call to love by celebrated American composer Jake Runestad. We Can Mend the Sky’s lyrics are based on a poem by an immigrant from Somalia and two Somali proverbs:
In my dream I saw
A world free of violence, hunger, suffering
A World filled with love
Now awake in this world
I beg, let my dream come true
If we come together, we can mend the sky.
Gloucester’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration – a festive community event!
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation
Monday, January 21st 2019, 2:00-6:00pm
In the historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse (Unitarian Universalist Church)
Corner of Middle and Church Street
This is a free community event and all are welcome!
Free-will contributions to the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation towards the ongoing preservation of the building are requested. Memberships, mugs, caps, totes, shirts and refreshments available.
Gloucester’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration: an afternoon of presentations honoring Dr. King about African-American History including Sandra Ronan, Stephanie Buck, live music by Alvin Foster and his band Soul Eclectic, and Keynote Speaker award-winning filmmaker/journalist Clennon L. King on MLK’s Boston years, followed by audio of Martin Luther King, Jr. accompanied by a slide show. Audience invited to ring the Paul Revere bell at the conclusion for freedom.
More info at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
SCHEDULE
2:00-2:15 Introduction: ‘Why Are We Here? Sandra Ronan
2:15-2:45 ‘Shadowed Lives,’ Effects of Slavery on Cape Ann Stephanie Buck
2:45-3:00 Break with Refreshments
3:00-3:45 Alvin Foster and his band Soul Eclectic, music that underpinned Black people’s courage to be happy and celebrate life, love, spirituality and growth in the face of racism
3:45-4:00 Break with Refreshments
4:00-5:00 Keynote Speaker: Clennon L. King, ‘MLK’S Boston Years’ The award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Clennon L. King will present a slideshow, focusing on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s movements in Boston and New England, from the fall of 1951 to the spring of 1954, to be followed by Q&A with the audience
5:00-5:15 Break with Refreshments
5:15-6:00 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” accompanied by a slide show of period and present-day images
Conclusion: Audience invited to join in ringing the Paul Revere Bell for freedom
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CLENNON L. KING ON ‘MLK’S BOSTON YEARS’
A Filmmaker’s Granular Look at Dr. & Mrs. King’s New England Years a lasered look at the little-known years Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott spent in Boston and New England. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Clennon L. King, will present a slideshow, focusing on the Kings’ movements in Boston and New England, from the fall of 1951 to the spring of 1954.
“Americans know all about Dr. King relative to places like Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, Washington, D.C. and Memphis, but virtually nothing about his time in Boston,” said Clennon L. King, (no relation) whose father was a lawyer for Dr. King in the Historic Albany Movement. “This slideshow seeks to fill in the blanks.” Clennon L. King will present the compelling PowerPoint® slideshow to audience, before leading a spirited conversation and Q&A with the audience.
Clennon L. King writes, “In a city as historic as Boston, there are few signs that Martin Luther King, Jr. lived, worked and played here before heading to Montgomery to the world stage,” said the Boston-based filmmaker. “My goal was to reconstruct his time here before it is lost to history forever.”
Clennon L. King’s 45-minute slideshow and discussion program is entitled “MLK’s Boston Years”, and was presented to MLK Boston, which plans to build a $5 million monument to Dr. and Mrs. King on the Boston Common. Boston’s NPR affiliate, WGBH 89.7 FM has twice interviewed King around his research on the Kings’ time in Boston. In April 2018, the filmmaker was featured on the Boston Edition of All Things Considered® with Barbara Howard, and in November 2018, he again was featured on ‘Under the Radar’ with Callie Crossley.
STEPHANIE BUCK: ‘SHADOWED LIVES’
Born and educated in England – degree from London University – married an American and moved to Gloucester in 1970 – became interested in local history through research on her house – which is just across the road from the Unitarian Universalist Church. She retired as Archivist/Librarian of the Cape Ann Museum last May after 14 years. The title of her presentation is “Shadowed Lives” – just skimming the surface of slavery on Cape Ann.
LOCATION, PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY
The Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Unitarian Universalist Church) is located on the green at the corner of Church and Middle Street. Event parking is allowed on the green and is available at other parking lots and on-street nearby in the Historic District. An elevator up to the Sanctuary level is available from the side entrance at 10 Church Street.
More info at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
The Musicians of the Old Post Road ‘Christmas with the Bach Family’
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents The Musicians of the Old Post Road concert ‘Christmas with the Bach Family’ on Friday, December 14, 7:30pm
The Musicians of the Old Post Road, a renowned New England chamber music ensemble consisting of violin, viola, cello, flute and harpsichord, will perform seasonal works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers of the Bach family with distinguished vocal soloists in the historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse at the corner of Middle and Church Street. The ensemble is joined in this concert by soprano Jessica Petrus, mezzo-soprano Catherine Hedberg, tenor Jonas Budris, and baritone Bradford Gleim.
For their 3rd season in the Meetinghouse they will present a banquet of Bach works for the holidays including Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach’s rarely-performed and delightful oratorio Die Kindheit Jesu, along with a sumptuous sampling of arias from Christmas cantatas by Bach brothers Carl Philipp Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann, cousin Johann Ludwig, and of course, Johann Sebastian Bach.
Founded by Artistic Directors Suzanne Stumpf and Daniel Ryan, the ensemble takes its name from its acclaimed concert series, originally entitled Old Post Road Historic Concerts, begun in 1989. The concert series brings period instrument performances to historical buildings like the Gloucester Meetinghouse.
photo: Cynthia Smith
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT THE DOOR – cash, check or credit card
Preferred $45 (orchestra first 3 rows & gallery first 2 rows)
General $30 (open seating, come early for best locations)
Students $10 with ID
12 & Under Free
LOCATION AND MORE INFORMATION
The Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Unitarian Universalist Church) is located on the green at the corner of Church and Middle Street. Event parking is allowed on the green, entered between the stone pillars on Middle Street, and is available on-street and at other parking lots nearby in the Historic District.
For persons who are mobility impaired an elevator up to the Sanctuary level is available from the side entrance at 10 Church Street. If unable to pay, limited free tickets are available; email requests to info@gloucestermeetinghouse.org
Read the feature article about this concert by Gail McCarthy in the Gloucester Daily Times:
https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/local_news/special-bach-concert-benefits-meetinghouse/article_c9ed790f-66ba-59d5-be73-a5dcd7a7578f.html
For advance ticket purchases and more information please visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
GRAND FINALE, MOTOWN, SOUL, BLUES & JAZZ: ‘MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN,’ TONIGHT!
Berklee School of Music Teacher and Vocalist: Alvin Foster and ‘Soul Eclectic’ will rock the Meetinghouse!
Free outdoor concert tonight, Friday, September 7th, 2018, 6:00pm, with food service by the Willow Rest for your picnicking pleasure, on the Green at the corner of Middle & Church Street.
Donations requested to benefit the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. Bring beach chairs, a blanket, a fleece or a sweater and maybe your favorite libation for this last summer festival concert.
Alvin’s band, Soul Eclectic, will take you on journey back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s with the soul music that underpinned Black people’s courage to be happy and celebrate life, love, spirituality and growth in the face of racism. While centered in Motown’s indelible catalog of music, Soul Eclectic also features and celebrates the artists that grew up alongside and after Motown.
Comprising of Alvin Foster on vocals, Tricia Reed on vocals, Oscar Brown III on guitar, Briana Washington on keyboard, Min Jae Yim on bass, and Jarrell Campbell on drums, the Soul Eclectic uses the timeless gems to deliver a fun and thoughtful musical experience.
In the greeting at 6:00pm Sponsors from the past 3 years will be recognized, whose gifts paid all expenses in advance, enabling 100% of your contributions go to our non-profit community partners. We will also recognize the festival Staff. Please be on hand to give them your applause and personal thanks.
As always, the 9th and last event is a benefit for your host organization, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. Our mission is to preserve the treasured 1806 historic building as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community center. Our goal is to complete the full building restoration in time for Gloucester’s 400th anniversary in 2023. Visit gloucestermeetinghouse.org for more details on our programs.
If the weather turns wet we dim the lights in the downstairs Vestry for a coffeehouse atmosphere with its fine stage and hold the event indoors. Thanks for your support and enthusiasm all through this summer.
This was the best year yet…we are already planning Music on Meetinghouse Green 2019…but don’t miss out on the grande finale of our 2018 festival season tonight!
Meetinghouse Concert by The Spectrum Singers featuring Masterworks by Joseph Haydn, ‘Mass in Time of War’ and Franz Schubert, the ‘Magnificat in C’ with distinguished soloists and orchestra
MASTERWORKS BY HAYDN AND SCHUBERT ON SUNDAY, MARCH 18
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation hosts a performance of Haydn’s Mass in Time of War, and Schubert’s Magnificat in C on Sunday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gloucester Meetinghouse at the corner of Middle and Church Street. Doors open at 2:30; come early for the best seats. The performance features the outstanding Cambridge-based Spectrum Singers, distinguished soloists, and a large orchestral ensemble.
Spectrum Singers Music Director, John Ehrlich, describes the two monumental works. “Haydn’s Mass in Time of War bristles with abundant energy and amazing choral and orchestral effects,” he notes. “The trumpets and tympani are boldly featured, painting the sounds of war that were occurring nearby as Haydn composed the music in 1796. Schubert, whose work bridged the Classical and Romantic periods, is renowned for his treatment of melody and harmony. His Magnificat in C, written when the composer was just 18 years old, amply demonstrates this fine gift.”
Also on Sunday’s program are three intimate vocal quartets by Schubert, the 23rd Psalm, Gebet, and Des Tages Weihe. These are among the most tender and beautiful of the Schubert lieder (songs) performed by the soloists with piano accompaniment.
“This is a rare opportunity to hear masterworks of this importance in the superb acoustics of the Gloucester Meetinghouse,” notes Charles Nazarian, President of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. “As a concert venue, the Meetinghouse delivers a warm and inviting space and an unforgettable musical experience.”
Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. Prices are $65 for preferred seating, $45 for general seating, and $30 for students and seniors. Children under age 12 are admitted free. Parking is available on Meetinghouse Green (enter between the pillars on Middle Street) and in free lots nearby in the Historic District. A reception to honor the musicians will follow the concert.
About the Gloucester Meetinghouse
Built in 1806, the Gloucester Meetinghouse is the oldest standing church in Gloucester. It is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the Massachusetts Register of Historic Places for both its historic and architectural significance. The founders of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, the first Universalist Religious Society in America, led the way in Massachusetts for the legal separation of church and state. Later, the concept of separation of church and state was fully embraced in the first amendment to the United States Constitution. The Meetinghouse is located at the corner of Middle and Church Street in downtown Gloucester and is handicapped-accessible through the entrance at 10 Church Street.
About the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation
Now in its third year, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s mission is to preserve this landmark building for generations to come as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community center. For more information on future concerts, events, and opportunities to support the Foundation’s work, visit the website at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL IN GLOUCESTER!
Children’s Choir Festival Makes First Gloucester Appearance on Sunday
Nearly three dozen young voices will be joined in song on Sunday, February 11th beginning at 4 p.m. in the 10th annual Children’s Choir Festival. It will be held in the Sanctuary of the historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Street. This is a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy!
The singers, ages 5 through 18, are from three Episcopal churches, St. John’s of Gloucester, Christ Church in Andover, and All Saints Church in Chelmsford, assembled to give them an opportunity to sing as part of a larger ensemble in a grand space with a bigger audience than their home choir situations permit.
The works will range from the famous Shaker Tune, “Simple Gifts,” through religious melodies, spirituals, and a work, ‘The Call of Wisdom,” written in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
The audience will be invited to join the combined choirs in singing “All Creatures of Our God and King and Beethoven’s “Hymn to Joy.” Prayers and scripture readings will be interspersed throughout the hour-long program. A reception will follow.
The Choir Festival dates back to 2009 but this is its first appearance in Gloucester. Mark Nelson, music director at St. John’s Church, said the Meetinghouse was chosen as the venue for its ample seating for over 300 persons, as well as its fine acoustics. Nelson will be joined in conducting by Barbara Bruns of the Andover church and Maggie Marshall of the Chelmsford Church.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse is located at the intersection of Middle and Church Street. Parking is available on the green in front of the Meetinghouse, in the St. John’s Church lot at 33 Washington St., and in the municipal lot at nearby St. Peter’s Square, on Rogers Street. Access for persons with disabilities is from the side door at 10 Church St.
The event is being hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. Admission is free (donations gratefully accepted). More information is available at:
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
http://www.facebook.com/gloucestermeetinghouse/
SECOND ANNUAL GLOUCESTER MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CELEBRATION
WHAT: AN AFTERNOON OF PRESENTATIONS ON THE MLK HOLIDAY hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation
WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018, 2:00-5:30pm
WHERE: The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church) on Meetinghouse Green at the corner of Middle and Church Street. Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street. Parking on the Green or next door at St. John’s Church.
PROGRAM:
Mary Ellen Lepionka, Cape Ann Algonquians’ fate after European colonization
Lise Breen, history of black leaders of the Abolitionist Movement
GWC Fish Tales, first-hand stories from refugees about the promise of America
Reverend Janet Parsons, accountability and where do we go from here?
Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken, commentary on cultural diversity
Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his final Christmas Sermon on interconnectedness
Closing, tolling of the Meetinghouse Paul Revere bell for freedom
WHAT’S SPECIAL? A rare opportunity to gather in community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, learn about historical and present-day persons of color with diverse identities, initiatives to study the history of slavery on Cape Ann as well as the black leaders of the Abolitionist Movement and rededicate ourselves to the American creed that all persons are created equal. This is the 50th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. King, whose message on non-violence, opposition to war, drive to lift people of any ethnicity, country of origin or racial background out of poverty, and belief in the care of our natural environment is as relevant today as it was in the 60’s.
COST: FREE with voluntary donations, all welcome. Refreshments will be available.
MORE INFORMATION: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION: The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the 1806 landmark building, Gloucester’s last-surviving historic Meetinghouse, as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community action center.
RELATED MORNING EVENT: The Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport holds its annual Peace March commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in which members and friends gather at 9:30 am for sign making, followed by a march through downtown Rockport at 10:00 am, and gather after the march for hot cider and goodies, followed by a short worship service. For more information see: http://rockportuu.org/
‘FOLLOW THE STAR,’ performed by the The Musicians of the Old Post Road in the Gloucester Meetinghouse, Saturday December 16th at 7:30pm.
Join us for a joyful celebration of the completed fire-sprinkler project with a magical Baroque chamber music concert!
We will thank the key civic grant sources and private individual donors to the sprinkler capital campaign; especially Linzee & Beth Coolidge who provided the initial and capping gifts that made it possible
The Musicians of the Old Post Road is a chamber ensemble based in the Boston area that specializes in the period instrument performance of dynamic and diverse music from the Baroque to early Romantic eras. Founded by Artistic Directors Suzanne Stumpf (flute) and Daniel Ryan (cello), the ensemble also includes Sarah Darling (violin & viola), Marcia Cassidy (viola), and Michael Bahmann (harpsichord).
‘Follow the Star’ is a program showcasing music written for Epiphany and shining a light on the Magi’s journey toward Bethlehem. This festive concert includes selections by Telemann, Geist, and a modern day revival of a cantata by Graupner. The ensemble is joined for this concert by distinguished vocal soloists: soprano Jessica Petrus, mezzo-soprano Catherine Hedberg, and tenor Jason Wang.
LOCATION: The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church), on the green at the corner of Church & Middle Street. Accessible side entrance with a lift at 10 Church Street, near the corner of Pine Street.
COST: $45 Preferred Seating (reserved front rows & rear gallery), $30 General, $25 College Students & Seniors (65+), under 17 free. Tickets may be purchased online at:
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
or at the door with cash, check or major credit card.
PARKING: On Meetinghouse Green (enter at the curb cut between the granite pillars) or next door at St. John’s Church
THE EXPERIENCE:
“To attend an Old Post Road concert is to be transported back in time. Picture yourself sitting in the pews of a beautiful old church…with bold, graceful, or spritely music filling the intimate venue. The program that rests in your lap details the rich history of the music you are listening to, and the concert venue you are enjoying. In front of you, the ensemble charms on a variety of period wind, string, and keyboard instruments.”
Symposium at the Meetinghouse: ‘PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY?’
Cape Ann Community 