Emmanuel Lutheran presents outstanding choral, classical music

After promoting the Emmanuel Lutheran Music Series for the past year, I attended one of their concerts for the first time yesterday. All I can say is, “WOW!”

I will admit right here that I did not take to choral and classical music when I was growing up like my two musically-talented older sisters. I guess I just wanted choir practice to end so I could get into the next kickball or baseball game at the Franklin School playground. That being said, I’m pretty sure my musical appreciation IQ reached a new high yesterday while in the presence of some incredibly talented singers and musicians from The Hill School, The Bel Canto Children’s Chorus and Cantatica, the ensemble-in-residence for the 2011-2012 season at Emmanuel. The program featured “Music of the Celtic Isles,” and every piece was stunning – from solemn to achingly beautiful to Riverdance-inspiring.

Below is the schedule for the rest of the season, along with links. Mark calendars and make a point to get there. Emmanuel – under the creative leadership of Andrew Meade, head of Music Ministry – is bringing some world-class talent to town and showcasing homegrown talent, too.

Please note that there are actually two series: Emmanuel’s Music Series and Cantatica’s series. The Emmanuel Series is generally free; admission is charged for the Cantatica events.  See you there!

Emmanuel Lutheran is located at 150 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

For a brochure of Emmanuel’s music series, click here.

For more info on Cantatica, visit www.cantatica.org.

MUSIC AT EMMANUEL

(all concerts held on Sunday)

ELENA ULYANOVA, Piano Masterpieces –  Oct. 23, 4 pm, Free

READING CHORAL SOCIETY, Celebration of Light – Dec. 11, 4 pm, Free

MATTHEW LEWIS, Pipe Dreams (organ) – Feb. 26, 2012, Free

MEGAN DURHAM, Mystery of the Song (mezzo-soprano) – Mar. 25, 2012, 4 pm, Free

WESTMINSTER KANTOREI – April 29, 2012, 4 pm, Free

CANTATICA SCHEDULE