2019 Events

Our annual “Sound & Spirit” event took place during the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1-7, 2019). The week hoped spread the message of harmony and tolerance among the followers of the three monotheistic faiths and all the world’s religions. Performers included Parkwood Upjohn Drum Group (student percussion ensemble); Sid Ellis II (Jembe […]

The Michigan Festival of Sacred Music was proud to collaborate with Temple B’nai Israel to present world-renowned cellist Amit Peled in a free program titled “The Journey with my Jewishness”. He described the program as “a short performance/chat with a mix of Jewish music and Bach.”

Comprised of seven young women from the Mt. Vernon Senior High School Fine Arts Academy (Mt. Vernon, Indiana), Angelus is dedicated to the performance of sacred music from varied religious traditions and historical periods.

Iraqi oud master Rahim AlHaj and Iranian tar virtuosa Sahba Motallebi will perform together in this extraordinary event.

Ken Koshio, a Phoenix-based drummer, singer and songwriter, taught two master classes on the Japanese art of Taiko drumming. Ken was joined by Carolyn Koebel.

This unique concert will feature Japanese music for organ, marimba and Taiko drums, presented by West Michigan-area musicians and visiting performers.

Leahaliza’s voice will bring the audience to the Sephardic world – music that weaves through East and West, with languages and rhythms used for centuries.

Taiko drummer, folk singer, and songwriter Ken Koshio performed a wonderful evening program of music for a packed house at the Parchment Community Library.

The classic silent film will be accompanied by a live score, performed by composer George Sarah and area musicians, including singers from Early Music Michigan.

A wonderful program of French and German music was performed by organist Eric Strand (filling in for visiting artist David Lauer, who’s travel plans were disrupted by the rail strike in France); special guest soprano Susan B. Anthony; and cellist MFSM Executive Director Elizabeth Start.

A zikr is a devotional act in which short phrases or prayers are repeatedly recited silently within the mind or aloud. This experience was led by Muhammad Ichlas, a Murshid (teacher and spiritual guide) of the Lansing area North American Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Community. Muhammad was joined on percussion by Carolyn Koebel.

Music therapists Carolyn Koebel, Caitlyn Bodine and Music Together rock-star Melissa Ludwa held an energetic, family-friendly community drumming event.

Two world-renowned artists blend the ancient North and South Indian classical traditions with sacred Hindu and Sikh chanting.

Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery will construct a mandala sand painting at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum from November 6–10, 2019.

Ugandan drummer/dancer Samuel Nalangira and percussionist Carolyn Koebel held an evening of high-energy drum and dance at the Parchment Community Library.

Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery will perform a concert of song and dance as part of their international tour of The Mystical Arts of Tibet.

Smooth vocals accompanied by the kalimba, marimba, litungu, and various flutes mesmerize audiences worldwide.

Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, tuning forks and other sound instruments were used by Kalamazoo-based sound therapist Judy Huxmann to help a large group hosted by the Kalamazoo Nature Center relax and meditate.

Schola Antiqua is an Early music vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of music written before the year 1600.

A community tradition since 1995, the annual Messiah Sing will be held in the historic First Congregational United Church of Christ in downtown Kalamazoo.