Continue reading "Chatham Concert Series Announces 2016-17 Season at Emmanuel" »
Posted on September 09, 2016 at 08:47 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
Kenyon Scott has rejoined Emmanuel as Organist and Choirmaster effective September 4th. Kenyon previously served as our Organist and Choirmaster from 1996 through 2011. Please join us in welcoming Kenyon back to Emmanuel!
Posted on September 04, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Announcements, Music, Photos | Permalink
The Chatham Concert Series will close the season this Sunday afternoon, February 28 at 3:00, with a beautiful program of Romantic music and song. The concert venue is Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Chatham.
Featuring a quintet of some of Virginia’s finest musicians and a world-renowned tenor, this chamber music concert will be a real treat.
One of the best-loved chamber music compositions, Czech Romantic Composer Antonin Dvorak’s Quintet for Piano and Strings, will carry the weight of half the program.
Anchored by the piano of Judith Clark, Martin Irving and Kevin Matheson will play violin in the quintet, Bryan Matheson the viola, and Julia Goudimova the cello.
In a fortunate addition to the program, and balancing the instruments of the Dvorak quintet, famed tenor Robert Chafin will perform songs by the modern-era English Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams as well as French Romantic Composer, Ernest Chausson.
Chatham violin student Staley Lyle has been invited to play one piece, Jean-Baptiste Accolay’s Concerto in A minor.
Chatham First will host a post-concert reception allowing musicians and concert goers to visit in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The concert will be held at Emmanuel, 66 N. Main Street in Chatham. Admission is by donation for the musicians.
Posted on February 27, 2016 at 02:10 PM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Coming Events, Music | Permalink
Posted on October 03, 2015 at 05:22 PM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Coming Events, Music | Permalink
Please join us for the ecumenical Chatham Thanksgiving Service to be held at Chatham Baptist this Wednesday, November 19th. The meal begins at 5:30 (catered by Kim Chumley at $6 per 12 and up and $4 under 12). The service around the tables is 6:15 to 7, with the Rev. Bill Mackey-Wisor of Watson Memorial UMC preaching and the Chatham Baptist Church providing music.
The offering will benefit the CHATHAM MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, which is sorely in need of additional funding to help those who are in need right here in our community. If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation (payable to Chatham Ministerial Association) and Fr Chris will deliver it to Glen Shelton who serves as treasurer. You may call Erica, Chatham Baptist (8 a.m. to noon) at 432.8003. Indication of number of adults and children is needed by noon Monday, November 17th.
Posted on November 15, 2014 at 04:23 PM in Announcements, Coming Events, Food and Drink, Music | Permalink
By Susan Paynter
Wow. Talk about a grand finale! The April 5 Chatham Concert Series season finale, held at Emmanuel, was nothing short of an all-out love fest.
The concert-goers loved Ashley Hall’s charming engagement
with the audience as she personally introduced each piece she played: relaying
here a story from her own career, there a tale about the composer or a famous
performer of the upcoming number.
More important, we were astounded by Hall’s virtuosity on the cornet. Joe, who in his youth dabbled on the trumpet, kept whispering to me, “How does she do that?”
I couldn’t help but glance from time to time at a friend across the aisle who used to play brass in big bands. He was mesmerized, smiling and shaking his head, and he leapt to his feet with applause after the final note before intermission.
But even those of us who’ve never blown a horn knew we were in the presence of something very special. To say the applause was extended doesn’t do it justice: we were smitten!
Then there was Wayne Gallops on the piano. What pizzazz.
His background in popular and classical music as well as jazz enabled
him to match the temper and style of each piece of the varied program. The two played wonderfully in concert and we
were all astounded to hear this was their first performance together.
Hall and Gallops showed their appreciation for each other in that way musicians do during an ovation. You could tell it was anything but a de rigueur gesture. They were genuinely delighted with one another.
And with us. They say there’s nothing a musician values more than an appreciative audience and we certainly gave them that, to their obvious pleasure.
Hall selected a diverse program, designed to display the many moods and colors the cornet is capable of evoking and representing composers of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries from the U.S., the U.K, and Europe.
Each piece had its charm, but if I had to bet on the audience favorites I’d put my money on Jules Levy’s “Grand Russian Fantasia” and Jean-Baptiste Arban’s variations on “Le Carnaval de Venise.” Both were written to show what the cornet is capable of doing and it was thrilling to hear what that instrument, on the lips and in the hands of a master like Hall, can do.
Posted on April 12, 2013 at 02:15 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Trumpeter Ashley Hall and pianist Dr. R. Wayne Gallops will
present a fun and engaging evening of music written for the cornet, which was
one of the primary forms of entertainment in America in the early twentieth
century.
Cornet soloists like Jules Levy and Herbert L. Clarke, were the pop stars of the day, drawing huge crowds of people to witness their mind-boggling virtuosity, technique and artistry. This program will consist of colorful and virtuosic works for the cornet from the United States, France and England and will explore the variety of colors that the cornet is capable of producing.
Ashley is originally from Wytheville, Virginia, is the
principal trumpeter of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and is an
internationally recognized trumpet soloist. Dr. R. Wayne Gallops serves as
Director of Bands and Music Education at Radford University and has recorded
with numerous classical / jazz ensembles and artists.
7:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham
Posted on April 03, 2013 at 08:23 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Coming Events, Music, Photos | Permalink
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 11:22 AM in Chatham Concert Series, Coming Events, Music, Photos | Permalink
Kevin & Bryan Matheson, Helen Rifas at rehearsal
(More photos above right under Photo Galleries)
By Susan Paynter
On Friday evening, January 11, Emmanuel drew a large crowd from around the county for Music for Flute, Harp and Strings: Celtic to French Impressionism, the second of five chamber music concerts in the Chatham Concert Series.
The evening featured Helen Rifas, principal harpist of the Greensboro Symphony and Flutist Julee Hickcox of the Roanoke Symphony along with the Classic Strings Duo of the Matheson brothers: Kevin on violin and Bryan on viola.
In a concert series tradition, one piece was performed by a young music student. This evening’s young artist was Monifa Williams of Danville. Ms Williams is a music student at Old Dominion University and play’s in the university’s wind ensemble and symphony orchestra.
Harpist Rifas alternated between a concert harp and a folk harp. The first had a set of pedals; the second was equipped with keys that required setting in. She began the program with traditional solo Celtic pieces and was later joined by Flutist Hickcox for the enduring favorites “I Saw Three Ships” and “Danny Boy.”
Before intermission the two were joined by Bryan Matheson and his viola for the three-movement Debussy “Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp.” The light and lyrical French Impressionist sonata reflected the unusual Spring-like weather outside.
Continue reading "January 11th Concert a Big Draw at Emmanuel" »
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 02:45 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos | Permalink
Posted on January 09, 2013 at 03:48 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Coming Events, Music | Permalink
Celtic harp and flute duets set the stage for the beautiful Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp by Claude Debussy, the first of its kind. The program continues with Two Interludes by Jacques Ibert for flute, violin and harp, and C. P. E. Hoffman’s quartet for harp, flute, violin and viola. The program will conclude with Beethoven’s famous Serenade for flute, violin and viola.
A special treat will be young flutist Monifa Williams, from Danville.
The concert begins at 7:00 p. m. and is held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham. Admission is by donation for the musicians.
Posted on January 08, 2013 at 10:22 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Coming Events, Music, Photos | Permalink
Posted on December 24, 2012 at 09:14 AM in Announcements, Coming Events, Music | Permalink
By Susan Paynter
On Saturday evening, November 17, Emmanuel hosted the fifth season opener of the Chatham Concert Series and post-concert reception. Playing to a house of about 75, the ever-popular Rainier Trio and returning Clarinetist Alex Jones presented a program of Romantic European and Contemporary American chamber music.
Making up the Rainier Trio are the series’ Artistic Director
Kevin Matheson on violin, his brother Bryan Matheson on viola and Brenda
Wittwer on piano. Alex Jones plays first
clarinet for the Pittsburgh Philharmonic.
The foursome began and ended the program with romantic masterpieces. A trio by German composer Carl Reinecke began the program. The final piece was a quartet by Viennese composer Walter Rabl: his Opus 1. Interestingly, the Reinecke trio was written in the composer’s 79th year, and the Rabl composition (the opus number is a hint) was written at the beginning of Rabl’s career. While one was a veteran and the other a novice, both composers were writing at peak performance.
Peak performance is also what the musicians brought to the music. The Matheson brothers are always a delight. Both are top performers technically and artistically, but to watch them is to see the differences: Bryan plays in a straightforward, matter-of-fact style and Kevin in a more emotive fashion. Differing styles aside, when you close your eyes their strings marry so beautifully, their combined sound is so rich, strong and complementary that it seems to spring from a single source.
Sandwiched between the Europeans was the music of two contemporary American composers: Peter Schickele and Rick Sowash. This writer’s preference was for the less complicated more soulful Sowash. It was his Daweswood Suite, written while Sowash was composer in residence at Ohio’s Daweswood Arboretum. Inspired by the budding, blossoming and bearing of the trees there, Sowash wrote this lovely meditation on the endless cycles of life.
The musicians performed beautifully on both. The Schickele may have been more demanding, and Jones, Wittwer and Kevin Matheson managed it with great skill. The Sowash seemed (undoubtedly deceptively) to simply flow organically from the four instruments of the Matheson brothers, Wittwer and Jones.
Brenda Wittwer must be the other musicians’ dream
pianist. She plays with grace and
precision and -- though capable of great flourish -- she never upstages. She plays in
concert with the other artists.
This was a return engagement for Alex Jones as well. He was back by popular demand, and there’s no surprise there. Does any instrument exceed the clarinet for versatility of mood? With Jones’ skill (and lung capacity!) and with this particular program, attendees had a chance to hear this wind instrument put through its emotional paces.
The Chatham Concert Series has an important and charming tradition. As often as possible, a young music student is invited to perform one piece. It’s not only valuable performance experience for the student; it’s a gift to the future of fine art music in Southside Virginia.
The student performer this evening was Chatham resident Trevor
Percario, 11. Trevor attends Epiphany
School and is a piano student of Susan Barrett via Chatham Arts. He played J.S. Bach’s Minuet in G Major and
did an admirable job. Bravo, Trevor!
After the concert, attendees enjoyed a reception in the social hall. Music lovers were able to chat with the musicians, friends and neighbors over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Emmanuel Church is pleased to serve, along with Chatham First, as venue and facilitator of the Chatham Concert Series.
The next concert will be held on Friday evening, January 11. The program will be “Music for Flute, Harp and Strings: Celtic to French Impressionism,” featuring Roanoke Symphony Flutist Julie Hickcox and Greensboro Symphony Principal Harpist Helen Rifas. Also performing: the Matheson brothers’ Classic Strings Duo.
Posted on December 03, 2012 at 08:55 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Kevin Matheson, Artistic Director, announces the schedule for the fifth season of the Chatham Concert Series!
This year promises to be as exciting and varied as last year.
*******
Continue reading "Chatham Concert Series Announces 2012-2013 Schedule" »
Posted on November 01, 2012 at 11:34 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
The May 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:
Click here to read the May issue online.
Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.
To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.
Posted on April 24, 2012 at 05:11 PM in Announcements, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Left to right: Kevin Matheson, Kenyon Scott, William Plail, and Bryan Matheson
By Susan Paynter
Pipes and more pipes! One week before St. Patrick’s Day, the Chatham Concert Series’ Season Finale -- of chamber music concerts hosted by Emmanuel -- was a spirited tribute to St. Patrick.
On Friday evening, March 9, a crowd of 86, many in green, turned out to hear former Emmanuel Organist Kenyon Scott and Bagpiper William Plail salute the Irish saint with a Celtic-themed program.
In his opening remarks, the series’ Artistic Director Kevin Matheson graciously thanked Emmanuel for hosting the series, to the applause of music-lovers in attendance.
Continue reading "Celebrating St. Patrick - Chatham Concert Series Finale" »
Posted on April 08, 2012 at 08:54 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
A St. Patrick’s Day Prelude
Friday, March 9 at 7:00 P.M.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham.
Admission is by donation for the musicians.
Pipes and more pipes! As a spirited tribute to Saint Patrick, the Chatham Concert Series’ Season Finale this Friday evening promises to be a performance to remember. Featuring Pipe Organist Kenyon Scott and Bagpiper William Plail in a mostly Celtic-themed program anticipating St. Patrick’s Day.
Mr. Plail will pipe the beloved air Danny Boy as well as other traditional pieces such as Endearing Young Charms,The Wearing of the Green, and Let Erin Remember. Concert-goers can expect airs, reels, marches, jigs and quicksteps.
Mr. Scott, who will play a modified Hamill pipe organ, has put the lovely old Welch melody, Hyfrydol, on the program. While the title may not ring a bell, this is music you’re bound to know. Several well-known hymns, including Alleluia Sing to Jesus” have been set to the tune.
Hyfrydol was the song the Welch coal miners sang so beautifully as they walked home from the mines in the old movie classic, How Green Was My Valley.
Scott will play two Irish/Celtic hymn tune voluntaries, and will also cross into the English tradition for Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Sine Nomine, associated with the hymn For All the Saints, which naturally includes St. Patrick.
There will be several secular, sometimes rollicking Scots pieces for the organ, and the medieval Organ Estampie.
Highlighting Virginia’s Celtic heritage, the program will also include fiddle tunes from colonial-era Buckingham County, arranged for the organ.
The program will conclude with J.S. Bach’s Little Prelude and Fugue in G Major -- chosen to showcase the Hamill organ’s modified pedal board. It should be fun to watch Mr. Scott dance his way through this short piece.
William Plail lives in Amherst. He is a pipe soloist and also a member of Roanoke’s Warpipe and local pipe-and-drum bands in Charlottesville and Lynchburg. He is a composer of bagpipe tunes and a prolific arranger of traditional carols and hymns for the pipes.
Kenyon Scott is a native of Pittsylvania County and lives with his family on their farm east of Gretna. He has studied music since age five and accepted his first position as church organist at 14. He served 15 years as organist and choirmaster at Chatham’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church and now serves Danville’s West Main Baptist Church.
Remember to don a bit of green as you attend “A St. Patrick’s Day Prelude” this Friday, March 9 at 7:00 P.M. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham. Admission is by donation for the musicians.
Posted on March 06, 2012 at 11:16 PM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
The March 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:
Click here to read the March issue online.
Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.
To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.
Posted on March 01, 2012 at 06:00 AM in Announcements, General Information, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Emmanuel is pleased to welcome Sally Ford as our new church organist.
Ms. Ford has been involved in church music since before she could read when she begged to be allowed to join the children's choir at her home church. She began piano at age seven and organ in high school, replacing the church organist, who had retired. She has played a diverse group of various instruments in churches over the years, including reed organs, as well as directing children's and adult choirs.
Sally studied organ at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ, under the tutelage of James Litton (who later directed the American Boys Choir). While there she was also privileged to sing in Symphonic Choir with several symphony orchestras. She earned her degree in organ with a minor in voice and a concentration in Music Education. There she met her husband (a native of Alexandria, which later led to her coming to VA.)
A former home educator, Sally has performed vocally and instrumentally in a Celtic group as well as with her husband, a professional flutist. She dabbles in hammered dulcimer and on the recorder. She has also been a presenter at various home school functions.
Ms. Ford will assume her duties at Emmanuel on Sunday, March 4.
Posted on February 22, 2012 at 02:05 PM in Announcements, General Information, Music | Permalink
On Friday evening, February 3, as the St. Petersburg Symphony visits Danville, the Chatham Concert Series continues its chamber music presentations with a program geared more to the Anglophiles among us.
“English Vocal Music from Butterworth to the Beatles” will feature Baritone Dr. David Castonguay accompanied by the popular Saturn String Ensemble: the two violins of Kevin Matheson and Martin Irving, Bryan Matheson on viola, and the cello of Lisa Wright. Songs performed will be by George Butterworth, Gerald Finzi and England’s “fab four,” The Beatles.
In addition to the featured songs of England, there will be a nod to the continent with Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” and Dvorak’s love songs, “Cypresses,” for string quartet.
Dr. Castonguay is active in the United States and Europe as a baritone soloist, choral conductor, musical jurist and music educator and mentor. He serves as associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Radford University.
Those who’ve been watching the PBS series “Downton Abbey” will be interested to know that George Butterworth, a friend and associate of Vaughn Williams, was killed in 1916 at the World War I Battle of the Somme. He had been considered one of Europe’s most promising composers.
Like Butterworth, Finzi was an enthusiast and collector with Vaughn Williams of English folk music. Unlike Butterworth, Finzi was too young to serve in WWI and survived until 1956, although his musical work was interrupted by WWII.
Both Butterworth and Finzi set to music the poetry of some of England’s finest poets. The lyrics of this concert’s songs will be from poetry by W.E. Henley and Thomas Hardy.
Strange to think of the overlapping lives of Gerald Finzi and the four lads from Liverpool, but overlap they did, and concert-goers can expect a treat as the musical genius of The Beatles is presented in arrangements for string quartet.
As is the Chatham Concert Series’ tradition, promising young music students will also join the program for one piece, gaining valuable performance experience. Those performing music from Super Mario will be Julian Ayers, Alyssa Arminan, Staley Lyle and Jacob Tisdale on violin and Caleb Tisdale on viola.
“English Vocal Music from Butterworth to the Beatles” will be held Friday evening, February 3, at 7:00 p.m.; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham; Admission by donation.
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 02:53 PM in Announcements, Music, Photos | Permalink
William Parrish, Jr. will perform here at Emmanuel this afternoon at 3:30 pm as part of the Chatham Concert Series. Many of us remember The Rev. Bill Parrish, Sr., his dad, from his days as Emmanuel's rector.
Bill Jr. is principal oboist for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and will be performing "Gabriel's Oboe." This is the popular theme from the 1986 film, "The Mission."
Mr. Parrish will be joined on the program by the Saturn String Ensemble and Claudia Jones Patterson on the piano.
Admission is by donation.
Posted on January 08, 2012 at 01:20 PM in Announcements, Music, Photos | Permalink
Mezzo-Soprano Katarzyna Sadej and the Ranier Trio - Left to right, Kevin Matheson, Brenda Wittwer, Ms. Sadej, and Bryan Matheson
The Chatham Concert Series' Christmas Concert was a great success!
The December 4 concert featuring Canadian Mezzo-Soprano Katarzyna Sadej played to a full house. Joining Ms. Sadej were the violin, viola and piano of the Rainier Trio and a host of local string-instrument students. Falling on the fourth day of the Christmas in Chatham festivities, the program was varied but heavy on seasonal music from Johannes Brahms to Vaughan Williams. The student musicians provided backup for the five Christmas carols that concluded the program with an audience sing-along.
Posted on December 31, 2011 at 02:30 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
The November 2011 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:
Click here to read the November issue online.
Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.
To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 03:37 PM in Announcements, General Information, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Artistic Director Kevin Matheson is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Chatham Concert Series schedule, "We have five concerts scheduled and have added a Christmas concert for this season." All concerts are held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham, VA. All concerts are admission by donation at the door.
The schedule of performances follows:
Continue reading "Chatham Concert Series Sets 2011-12 Schedule" »
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 12:47 PM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos | Permalink
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.
Continue reading "Chatham Concert Series to Begin New Season at Emmanuel on November 11" »
Posted on September 29, 2011 at 12:29 PM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
(Left to right: Kevin Matheson, Staley Lyle, Brenda Wittwer, Alex Jones, and Bryan Matheson)
By Susan Paynter
The smooth, mellow tones of the clarinet filled the nave of Emmanuel Church on Friday evening, May 6. It was the final performance of the 2011 Chatham Concert Series, featuring the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Clarinetist, Alex Jones.
The program was one of romantic music for clarinet and strings as Jones was joined by Chatham Concert Series Artistic Director Kevin Matheson on violin, Bryan Matheson on viola and violin, and Brenda Wittwer once again accompanying on piano. In the tradition of the series, a young music student gained performance experience as eleven-year-old Staley Lyle took the stage for the first post-intermission piece.
But let’s begin at the beginning. Jones opened the concert playing two clarinets (one at a time!) for George Gershwin’s Three Preludes for Clarinet & Piano, with Wittwer on piano. Gershwin’s music demanded much from Jones and his considerable talent as well as the full range of both his B-Flat and A Clarinets. The audience, unable to hold its appreciation, applauded enthusiastically after each of the three movements.
Continue reading "Alex Jones Headlines 2011 Chatham Concert Series Finale" »
Posted on May 11, 2011 at 09:21 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:28 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
St. Michael's, Bon Air, is pleased to host a concert featuring Russian-born pianist Maria Yefimova on Sunday, April 10 at 4 p.m. The concert will feature works by Chopin, Rachmaninoff and others. A free will offering of $10 is suggested. Ms. Yefimova graduated with honors from Moscow State Conservatory and came to the US on a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned both Master's and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. She is currently on the piano faculty of the College of William & Mary.
Continue reading Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia Parish News & Events...
Posted on March 29, 2011 at 11:32 AM in Announcements, Music | Permalink
The String Musicians - Kevin Matheson, Bryan Matheson, Kayla Herrmann & Andrew Motten
By Susan Paynter
In the latest concert of the Chatham Concert Series, Emmanuel hosted The Saturn String Trio and a guest guitarist on Sunday afternoon, March 20.
Concert Series Artistic Director Kevin Matheson took the stage on violin, joined by his brother Bryan Matheson on viola and, rounding out the trio, Kayla Herrman on cello. The string trio became a quartet for this concert, as they were joined by classical guitarist Andrew Motten.
The delightful and varied program covered music from Bartok’s Romanian Dances to Led Zepplin’s Stairway to Heaven.
The concert opened with Kayla Herrmann and Andrew Motten playing two Spanish songs by Manueal de Falla on cello and guitar. The Matheson brothers followed on violin and viola with a piece written especially for them by the composer Marci Craig of the Renaissance Music Academy of Virginia.
Continue reading "Saturn String “Quartet” Delights Audience" »
Posted on March 21, 2011 at 03:26 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
(Carmella Fisher, piano, Janet Phillips, flutist, and Kevin Matheson, Chatham Concert Series Director)
By Susan Paynter
In the second of four concerts of the Chatham Concert Series, Flutist Janet Phillips and Pianist Carmella Fisher played to a large and appreciative crowd at Emmanuel on Sunday afternoon, February 13. The program covered pieces from Russia and France, as well as the American Southeast and Southwest.
The program began with Philippe Gaubert’s “Sonata in A major.” Written in 1917, it was one of three sonatas the French composer wrote for flute and piano. “I was transported by the Gaubert,” said audience member Barbara Wilson of the three-movement piece. Flutist Phillips shared with the audience that she had recently been privileged to play on Gaubert’s very own 1874 flute.
The second piece was Katherine Hoover’s “Kokopeli” for solo flute. The American Southwest was certainly evoked by this piece, named for the ancient flute-playing god of the Native American Pueblo people.
Intermission was followed by another American piece for solo flute, Charles Delaney’s “…and the strange, unknown flowers…” Ms. Phillips had studied under Delaney, and hinted to the audience that nearly every note on the scale she’d practiced so relentlessly for him was to be heard in that number. It seemed to be so!
The program closed with – who else? – Prokofiev. Not “Peter and the Wolf,” though, but the four-movement “Sonata in D major,” for flute and piano. Challenging to play, fun to hear, and giving the audience plenty to admire in both musicians.
It was a lovely afternoon. The dreamy quality of music for the flute seemed especially appropriate for the unexpectedly warm and sunny day. No telling what the weather will be like on March 20, but mark your calendar now for the Saturn String Trio (Kevin Matheson, violin; Bryan Matheson, viola; Kayla Hermann, cello) and guest guitarist, Andrew Motten. Violin, viola, cello, guitar… what more could a string-lover ask for?
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 04:24 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Watoto Children's Choir in Danville Tonight
Posted on February 01, 2011 at 11:12 AM in Announcements, Music | Permalink
By Susan Paynter
Emmanuel served as venue on Friday evening, January 7, when Ukrainian Violinist Oleksandra Vydria headlined the first concert of the Chatham Concert Series’ 2011 season. Accompanied by native Virginian Brenda Wittwer on the piano, Vydria played to a full house.
Winner of Ukrainian national and international violin awards and a former member of the Viva Vivaldi Chamber Orchestra, Vydria also proved to be an effective cultural ambassador for her native Ukraine.
The evening began with sonatas of Beethoven and Mozart, and a J.S. Bach partita. Following intermission, 12-year-old violinist Julian Ayers of Basset joined the program as the evening’s promising young musician. Ayers played Monti’s lovely Csardas. Ms. Vydria then returned, having changed from her evening gown of red and black lace (think “Carmen”) into Ukrainian folk garb.
Continue reading "Chatham Concert Series’ 2011 Season Begins!" »
Posted on January 10, 2011 at 02:11 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
By Susan Paynter
Emmanuel changed from Advent purple to Christmas red on the evening of December 22nd as many parishioners came together for the Greening of the Church. Fortified by hot mulled cider, the Emmanuel “elves” trimmed the church with magnolia, holly, and poinsettias. The tree was hoisted and decorated as young John Scott kept spirits bright by playing Christmas carols on the piano.
On Friday, Christmas Eve night, the service was preceded by a festival of 14 carols, accompanied by Kenyon Scott on the piano and then the pipe organ. The voices of the Emmanuel Choir and parishioners were joined by those of guests from the community and families visiting for the holidays. Mark dePaulo read the Nativity Gospel of Luke. The Rev. Jim Mathieson preached the Christmas sermon and celebrated the Holy Eucharist.
After the worship service all repaired to the parish hall -- which Beth Coles had decorated beautifully -- to enjoy good company, homemade eggnog and seasonal delicacies.
The big snow hit on Christmas evening, and the service of lessons and carols planned for Sunday, the 26th, was cancelled.
Posted on December 28, 2010 at 01:55 PM in Food and Drink, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Posted on December 17, 2010 at 08:44 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
Emmanuel is pleased to once again serve as venue for the Chatham Concert Series. The popular monthly chamber music performances will begin in January and run through May of 2011.
New Artistic Director Kevin Matheson is excited about taking the reins from Founder Kevin Zakresky who has returned to his native Canada. Matheson will be selecting talent in the weeks to come, assisted by his brother Bryan who will organize the schedule.
As in the past, talented young music students will join the professional musicians for one or two pieces at each evening concert. In this way the series achieves its mission: to foster a love of classical music in our community as well as to create opportunities for young people to perform alongside processionals.
We’re looking forward to seeing who the Brothers Matheson have in store for us this season!
The kick off concert for the 2011 Chatham Concert Series will be held on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 7:00 PM featuring Olesksandra Vydria, violin, and Brenda Wittwer, piano. Winner of the Competition of Young Violinists in Kiev and a graduate of the Tchaikovsky Ukrainian National Music Academy, Olesksandra is a talented violinist visiting from the Ukraine.
Former director Kevin Zakresky performed in the Rainier Trio with Bryan and Kevin Matheson. Last spring they recorded a CD of trios at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Danville. The CD was just released. To obtain your copy, please contact Kevin Matheson: kstrings@vt.edu 540-382-9624.
Posted on November 23, 2010 at 08:37 PM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
Concerts at Bruton Parish
Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, Peter Pelham Concert Series presents The Christmas Rose: Advent & Christmas Msuic of Michael Praetorius, The Christmas Story by Heinrich Schutz. The concert features the Choirs of Bruton Parish and orchestra, Dr. JanEl Will and Rebecca Davy, directors. The concert will be presented Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, $5 for students. Tickets are available by calling (757) 345-2947 or at the door. In addition, Bruton continues a tradition begun by their 18th-century organist, Peter Pelham, and presents more than 120 recitals and concert programs annually in its Candlelight Concert series. Concerts are held at 8 p.m. every Saturday throughout the year and also on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from March through December. There is no charge for the concerts, but a freewill offering is received at each program. Parking is permitted on Duke of Gloucester Street during concerts. See the full schedule of concerts for December here.
Posted on November 23, 2010 at 01:15 PM in Announcements, Music | Permalink
By Susan Paynter
Friday evening, April 30, brought the final performances of
the Chatham Concert Series to Emmanuel’s Sanctuary. Headliners Liz Frazer,
Soprano, and Minjung Seo, Pianist,
entertained an appreciative audience with a lively and varied program.
The two women exhibited the fruits of their extensive musical education and their national and international performance experience. Seo, an active solo and collaborative artist demonstrated a fine touch and great sensitivity as she accompanied Ms. Frazer in her stunning display of vocal and emotional range.
Those attending were enthusiastically caught up in the emotions dramatically portrayed by Ms. Frazer as she took them from three charming pieces of love and longing by Ernest Chausson to five novel songs (one might even say “quirky” songs) taken from the letters of Calamity Jane to her daughter (fathered by Wild Bill Hickok) which were set to music by Libby Larson.
Continue reading "Chatham Concert Series Stages Grand Finale" »
Posted on May 01, 2010 at 03:22 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
By Susan Paynter
The reward for music lovers who braved the return of winter weather on Friday, March 26, was to be transported to sunnier climes by the lively guitar solos of Justin Craig. Craig, currently on faculty at the Renaissance Music Academy, was joined briefly by two young musicians in the third of four concerts forming the Chatham Concert Series. Each concert has been held in Emmanuel’s Carpenter Gothic Sanctuary.
Like others in the series, created and directed by Chatham Hall Music Director Kevin Zakresky, this concert was a realization of dual goals: to draw high quality classical musicians to Chatham, and to nurture the talent and performance skills of our community’s young musicians.
Mr. Craig first took the audience to Spain with the soulful music of Isaac Albéniz and Francisco Tárrega, evoking their sunny country’s mix of Latin and Moorish cultures. Italy was next with four caprices by Luigi Legnani and a Mauro Giuliani Grand Overture.
Audience members seated many rows back reported that, even without amplification, Craig’s softest notes were clearly audible: confirmation of the acoustic quality of the venue. The young musicians served as bookends to the intermission. Closing the first half of the evening was 12-year-old Julian Ayers, of Bassett, who showed remarkable mastery of violin with the Allegro of J.H. Fiocco’s Sonata in G major. Ayers is a student of Roanoke Symphony’s Brian Matheson who performed earlier in the concert series with the Saturn String Quartet. After intermission, Chatham Hall Senior Amy Hong, a Zakresky student, charmingly demonstrated her talent on the piano with J.S. Bach’s Invention in B-flat major.
The concert continued with Craig’s interpretation of three syncopated, driving Brazilian Choros (cousins to American Ragtime) by João Texiera Pernambuco, and four movements of Carlo Domeniconi’s modern, Turkish-inspired “Koynbaba”.
On Friday, April 30, Soprano Liz Frazer and Pianist Minjung Seo will be performing. Count on a bittersweet evening as these two wonderfully talented women close out the Spring 2010 Chatham Concert Series.
Posted on March 27, 2010 at 05:29 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
About 40 concertgoers were drawn to Emmanuel’s sanctuary on Friday, February 26, to hear Oboist Aaron Hill, of the faculty and orchestra of the University of Virginia, and Pianist and Tenor Kevin Zakresky, choirmaster & music director of Chatham Hall.
In addition to Zakresky, Chatham provided two special guests to fill out the program, proving once again how strikingly broad and deep our humanities scene is for a community of our size: Organist Elise Dugan, student, and Blake Scholar Ann Beal, faculty member; both of Chatham Hall.
This was the second of four in the 2010 Chatham Concert Series, founded and directed by Zakresky. Mr. Hill was delighted with the intimacy of the venue and audience which proved ideal for the chamber music written for oboe and piano.
The evening opened with Hill and Zakresky on oboe and piano,
delighting the audience with a sonata by Francis Poulenc, and three of Robert
Schumann’s fantasy pieces.
After the intermission, Ms. Dugan brought Emmanuel’s 1865 Hamill pipe organ to life with a Bach prelude and Johann Gottfired Walther’s “Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend” (“Lord Jesus Christ, turn our way”.) Mr. Zakresky promised her performance would be impressive and it certainly was!
Dr. Beal was the surprise guest at the concert with her enlightening introduction to ten William Blake poems, set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and sung by Zakresky with Hill on oboe. Our sanctuary was an appropriate place for Blake’s exploration of the darkness and light of the human soul, and its creator.
Zakresky and Hill closed out the program with chamber music for oboe and piano by J. W. Kalliwoda.
The third concert of the series, the classical guitar of Justin Craig, will be held at Emmanuel at 7:00 on the evening of March 26. It promises to be a real treat that we should make every effort to attend.
Posted on February 27, 2010 at 02:13 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
An estimated 100
music lovers gathered on Sunday afternoon, January 17, to kick off the 2010
Chatham Concert Series, organized by Choirmaster Kevin Zakresky of Chatham
Hall.
The world-class Saturn String Quartet brought us a delightful program of music. From the opening number -- a Mozart Divertimento -- to the encore -- the prettiest version of Charlie Daniels’ Devil Went Down to Georgia that we’re likely to hear -- the string musicians held the audience in their thrall.
Two of Chatham’s own also performed. Representing the next generation, ten-year-old violinist Staley Lyle brought us a Vivaldi-esque concertino by Ferdinand Kuchler; and Kevin Zakresky, singing tenor, showed his dramatic flair with songs by Peter Warlock.
Kevin Zakresky (center) enjoying a lighter moment with
the Saturn String Quartet, (l to r) Charles
Shafer, violin, Louise
Grévin, cello,
Bryan Matheson, viola, and Kevin Matheson, First Violin.
Posted on January 19, 2010 at 05:43 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
All performances will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Admission is by Donation.
Concert 1 - Sunday 17 January 3:00pm
Saturn String Quartet Kevin Matheson, violin
Just back from a performance at Carnegie Hall, violinist Kevin Matheson, a member of the Classic Strings Duo, performs regularly in America and Europe. Kevin performs with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, is a faculty member with the Renaissance Music Academy and with Virginia Tech’s Fine Arts Initiative.
Charles Shafer, violin
Studying in the Masters program at the UNC School of the Arts, violinist Charles Shafer performs regularly all over the United States. Charles has a special interest in chamber music and plays regularly with several orchestras in the area. Bryan Matheson, viola
Violist Bryan Matheson, recent winner of the Ibla Grand Prize international competition in Italy, has performed in Europe and America as a member of the Classic Strings Duo. He plays with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, is a faculty member with the Renaissance Music Academy and with the outreach program at
Virginia Tech.
Louise Grévin, cello
French cellist Louise Grévin has studied in Paris, Strasbourg and Toulouse. Most recently, she has played with l’Orchestre de Chambre de Toulouse, and has appeared as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of the Toulouse Music Academy. She is currently working on a Master of Music Degree at the UNC School of the Arts.
Concert 2 - Friday 26 February 7:00pm
Aaron Hill, oboe
Oboist Aaron Hill is on the faculty of the University of Virginia and is principal oboe in the Charlottesville symphony. In 2008, Aaron received his MM and Artist Diploma from Yale University. Aaron has performed with orchestras all over the United States, Europe and Asia.
Kevin Zakresky, piano
Kevin Zakresky is a choral conductor, pianist and vocalist who regularly performs in Canada and the United States. He is conductor of the British Columbia Chamber Choir, director of the Southern Virginia Baroque Youth Orchestra and Choirmaster at Chatham Hall. Kevin holds an MMA degree from Yale University in Choral Conducting.
Concert 3 - Friday 26 March 7:00pm Justin Craig, classical guitar
Justin Craig is an active performer of both Jazz and Classical Guitar styles throughout Southwestern Virginia. He received his Bachelors and Masters in Music from Radford University where he studied Classical Guitar with both Valerie Hartzell and Dr. Robert Trent. His performances always include a variety of solo guitar styles, including works by the Classical Era virtuosi, Brazilian Jazz, Spanish guitar favorites, and expansive 20th Century creations.
Concert 4 - Friday 30 April 7:00pm Liz Frazer, soprano
Soprano Liz Frazer performs regularly in concerts and operas in Virginia and North Carolina. She is a student in the doctoral program at UNC Greensboro, where she most recently won the University’s concerto competition. Recent roles include Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and the title role in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanthe. Minjung Seo, piano
Korean pianist Minjung Seo holds a Masters degree in Collaborative Piano from the Juilliard School and is currently in the DMA program at UNC Greensboro. She has been staff pianist at the Banff Centre in Canada and the Heifetz International Music Institute, as well as a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival.
Posted on December 23, 2009 at 11:46 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
Chatham's Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Kevin Zakresky, performed Passio Domni nostri Jesu Christi secundum Matthaeum (The Passion According to St. Matthew) during today's service of the Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church.
Performing today were Kate Burns, Grace Fulop, Wayne Millan, Rosemary Nichols, David Smith, and Kevin Zakresky.
Chatham Schola Cantorum is a medieval singing group specializing in Gregorian Chant. The group focuses on various styles and forms of Latin chant in the Middle Ages through the beginning of the Renaissance.
Kevin Zakresky is the Music Program Director at Chatham Hall.
Posted on May 24, 2009 at 11:30 AM in Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
The Chatham Concert Series continued at Emmanuel on February 22 with “There’s Always Room for Cello,” a cello and vocal performance by husband and wife Ben and Ariana Wyatt.
Cellist Benjamin Wyatt has enjoyed an active career
as a freelance musician in Los Angeles and New York, and has performed
extensively abroad as well as at home. Soprano
Ariana Wyatt is a recent graduate of the Juilliard Opera Center and performed with several opera companies during the 2007-2008 season.
The performance opened with Ratner’s 3 Songs for Soprano, Cello and Piano, with Kevin Zakresky at the piano and continued with Bach’s Suite in G Major, BWV 1007; Depuis le jour (Charpentier); Quando men vo (Puccini); The Swan ( Saint-Saens); and Capricco (Foss). The Programme concluded with Verdi’s Ah, fors’e lui from La Traviata. About 70 people attended the performance.
Click here to learn more about the Chatham Concert Series.
Posted on February 22, 2009 at 11:01 PM in Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
Pictured (left to right): Kevin Matheson, Rebecca Oh, Brian Matheson, Kevin Zakresky
The Chatham Concert Series opened its first season on January 16th at Emmanuel with High Strung featuring The Classic Strings Duo Kevin Matheson, Violin, and Brian Matheson, Viola.
Hailed as “two perfect virtuosos” at their international performance debut, and as winners of the Ibla International Competition in Italy, Kevin and Bryan Matheson performed works by Milhaud, Beethoven, Schickele, Ryden, Handel and Sibelius, closing with Mozart’s Trio for Violin, Viola and Piano in E-flat Major K. 498 “Kegelstatt,” with Kevin Zakresky at the piano.
Rebecca Oh, a promising young musician from Korea and a freshman at Chatham Hall, opened the second half of the Programme with Bach’s Concerto for Violin in A Minor.
Approximately 75 people attended this evening's performance.
******
Please join us on Sunday, February 22nd beginning at 8 pm here at Emmanuel for the second performance in the Chatham Concert Series, There’s Always Room for Cello, featuring Ben Wyatt, cello, and Ariana Wyatt, soprano. Admission is by donation.
Click here to view this evening’s Programme.
Click here to learn more about the Chatham Concert Series.
Posted on January 16, 2009 at 10:08 PM in Chatham Concert Series, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink
The Chatham Concert Series presents “High Strung,” January 16th at 7 pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Join us for an evening of classical music, featuring The
Classic Strings Duo Kevin Matheson, Violin, and Brian Matheson,
Viola. Hailed as “two perfect virtuosos” at their international performance
debut, and as winners of the Ibla International Competition in Italy, Kevin and
Bryan Matheson are awakening audiences to music for the violin-viola duo. A
combination written for since the 17th century, and with duos being
written today, the repertory is vast and varies, including works by Mozart,
Beethoven, Sibelius and Schickle.
Guest musicians include: Rebecca Oh, Violin, and Kevin Zakresky, piano. Admission is by donation.
Click here to learn more about the Chatham Concert Series.
Posted on January 03, 2009 at 04:01 PM in Announcements, Music | Permalink
Spring of 2009 will see the beginnings of a new cultural
event in our town. The Chatham Concert
Series, directed by new Chatham Hall choirmaster Kevin Zakresky in
collaboration with Emmanuel Episcopal Church, will bring professional musicians
to the area for four entertaining recitals of classical music.
Intended mainly as a new venue for art music in Pittsylvania County, the Chatham Concert Series will also serve as a stage for the young emerging artists of our town. Each concert will include “opening act” performances by young people from Chatham, followed by a “headlining act” professional musician from out of town.
The concerts will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Main Street in Chatham, with the finale concert being staged in St. Mary’s Chapel at Chatham Hall. Admission is by donation.
Performance details and musicians scheduled to appear are as follows:
High Strung - Friday, January 16 , 7 pm at Emmanuel
Kevin
Matheson, violin
Bryan
Matheson, viola
There’s always room for Cello - Sunday, February 22, 8 pm at Emmanuel
Ben Wyatt,
cello
The Magic Flute - Friday, March 27 , 7 pm at Emmanuel
Janet
Phillips, flute
The 1 Tenor - Saturday, May 9, 7 pm at St. Mary’s Chapel, Chatham Hall
Kevin
Zakresky, tenor
Katherine Dowling, piano
Posted on November 12, 2008 at 10:45 AM in Announcements, Chatham Concert Series, Music | Permalink
Chatham Schola Cantorum, a new medieval singing group
specializing in Gregorian Chant, is looking for participants. No previous
musical experience is necessary.
Where: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chatham VA.
When: Thursday evenings 8:00-9:30pm (starting October 2nd)
This singing group will focus on various styles and forms of Latin chant in the Middle Ages through the beginning of the Renaissance. Rehearsals will be a mixture of singing and scholarship.
For more information, contact Kevin Zakresky at kzakresky@chathamhall.org.
Posted on September 01, 2008 at 12:53 PM in Announcements, Music | Permalink
During the coming academic year, St. Mary's Choir from Chatham Hall, under the direction of Kevin Zakresky, will be singing at Emmanuel worship services on the following Sundays:
- October 12, 2008
- November 16, 2008
- January 18, 2008
- March 29, 2009
- May 17, 2009
A native of Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Kevin recently joined the faculty at Chatham Hall as Coordinator of the Music Program and Choirmaster following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia and graduate work at Yale.
Please join us for these special musical occasions.
Posted on August 18, 2008 at 02:17 PM in Announcements, Music | Permalink
Several dozen parishioners and friends of Emmanuel celebrated the conclusion of the Winter Season Dinner Clubs and the launch of the Summer Season during a Potluck Supper on Saturday March 10.
Emmanuel's own Ron Irby and the Briar Ridge Ramblers provided special entertainment with their renditions of numerous Blue Grass/country music favorites.
Posted on May 10, 2008 at 10:57 PM in Food and Drink, Music, Photos, Recent Events | Permalink