Chatham Concert Series to Begin New Season at Emmanuel on November 11

Once again, Emmanuel is pleased to donate the use of its sanctuary as venue for the popular Chatham Concert Series.  The series is quickly becoming a Chatham tradition and is making a name for itself in the world of classical music.

Concert plans include, for the first time, a December Christmas concert and sing-along as well as a special tribute to Saint Patrick in March.  Artistic Director Kevin Matheson and President Bryan Matheson have been busy booking a wide variety of musical talent from near and far, and are still at work to ensure a lively, varied and enjoyable season.

The season opener, scheduled for Friday, November 11, will be an evening of classical guitar.  Some think of the guitar as little more than a rhythm instrument.  This concert, with that instrument in the hands of Guitarist Stanley Alexandrowicz, is sure to open some eyes... and ears!  Come see what the guitar is capable of doing in the hands of a master.

Timed to cap the Christmas in Chatham celebration, the December 4 Sunday afternoon concert will feature Mezzo-Soprano Katarzyna Sadej and the Rainier Trio -- violin, viola and piano.  The headliners will be joined by young music students from the area and concert-goers will be encouraged to participate, adding their voices to the program of classical and popular music of the season.

The New Year concert will be a homecoming celebration of sorts.  On Sunday afternoon, January 8, you’ll want to come out for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Oboist, Bill Parrish.  As many of you know, Bill’s dad was Emmanuel’s priest and rector just prior to John Reuf’s tenure.  Bill fondly remembers the time he spent practicing his oboe in the same sanctuary where he’ll now be performing at the top of his game.  Joining Mr. Parrish will be the seven musicians of the Britten Phantasy Quartet and the Saturn String Ensemble. 

The dark days of February will be lit up as Baritone David Castonguy and the Saturn String Ensemble perform English songs from Butterworth to the Beatles, and Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

The March program will celebrate Saint Patrick and is still being put together.  The hope is to offer a concert featuring an organist we all know very well and the best-known Bagpiper in Chatham.  Hmm, who could they be?  And – oh yes! – backup by Chatham’s very own Hargrave Highlanders.  This will be one to remember!

More details to come.  Keep and eye on Emmanuel’s newsletter and website for updates.

Update -> Click here for the complete Concert Series Schedule.