Past Events
| 2011 Festival | 2012 Off-Season |
| 2009 Festival | 2010 Off-Season |
| 2007 Festival | 2008 Off-Season |
| 2005 Festival | 2006 Off-Season |
2012 Off-Season Events
Northern Illinois University Chamber Choir: Choral Music of Tanzania and Israel
Sunday, March 11, 2012, 2:00pm
NIU Chamber Choir
Northern Illinois University Chamber Choir
Dr. Eric A. Johnson, director
Israeli Choral Music:
The musical heritage of Israel, a country formed by immigrants from Eastern and Western countries, presents a unique environment for musical creation, which is infused with diverse musical traditions of many cultures. In its relatively short history, Israeli choral music has experienced three distinct phases of evolution, shaped by the multiple sources of cultural influences and the country’s rapidly changing circumstances. Part of the concert will present fascinating aspects of choral music written in Israel by the most prominent Israeli composers, reflecting the vibrancy and richness of this ever-evolving choral repertoire.
Initial focus will be given to compositions of composers who were born in the Diaspora and immigrated to Israel in the first half of the 20th-century. These composers tried to create music of “Hebrew” identity by combining the musical traditions from their countries of origin with the local Middle Eastern music that they encountered in their new home, and by setting it to the meters and inflections of the Hebrew language, which until that time was only used by them for prayer. The second category presented will be of music that was written after the birth of the State of Israel, in the middle of the 20th-century. Compositions from this category reflect influences of Israeli folk songs and nationalism, versus composition that show a distinct nexus to the post 1950 Avant-garde style of Western music. The third category will introduce the younger generation of native Israeli composers. These composers are less concerned with creating music of “Israeli identity” per se. Rather they focus more on creating music which is both a reflection of their personal identity, and a part of a global community of universal ideas and subjects, keeping in alignment with the contemporary styles and currents of Western music.
Tanzanian Choral Music:
The second half of the concert will feature choral works from Tanzania, representing the many different ethnic groups and their musical traditions. The works will be sung in Swahili, the national language of Tanzania, and additional commentary on traditions and musical styles will be shared by Rev. Seth Ole Sululu and Dr. Johnson. Ethnic groups whose music will be performed include Massai, Wahehe, Chaga and more.
The collaboration of Dr. Johnson and Rev Sululu began in 2009 when Dr. Johnson traveled to Tanzania to serve a residency at Makukira Universtiy in Arusha Tanzania. While there, Johnson traveled into the bush to visit several Massai villages to learn about their choral traditions and document performances. Rev. Sululu was the guide and translator for those trips into the bush. In the fall of 2010, Rev. Sululu began his studies at Northern Illinois University to earn a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting. For the last two years Johnson and Sululu have been working together to raise the awareness of the choral music of Tanzania. Their presentations at the Central Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association and today;s concert is the beginning of a longer journey as ambassadors of this exciting music.
Rev. Seth Mesiaki Ole Sululu
Rev. Seth Mesiaki Ole Sululu is an Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) Northern Central Diocese (Arusha- Tanzania) minister, currently a Graduate Choral Conducting student at Northern Illinois University. Having earned degrees in theology (1998), Bachelor of Divinity (2004), and BA in Music (2008) from Makumira University in Tanzania, Rev. Sululu is a well-known music educator, choral conductor/director, music arranger and composer in Tanzania. He has been adjudicator for ELCT choir competitions in different Dioceses in Tanzania, a guest conductor and performer in Tanzania and outside Tanzania (performed in six concerts in Germany, 2007). Sululu has done several presentations about Tanzanian music both in and outside Tanzania. He is an ethnic Maasai, a well-known ethnic group in East Africa. He has researched and taught both traditional Tanzanian and Western classical music in Tanzania. His extensive research in collecting and analyzing Maasai folk songs has resulted in the publication of "The Traditional Music of the Ilkisongo Maasai of Northern Tanzania," a multi-media anthology to study in-depth about this unique music culture in Tanzania.
Eric A. Johnson, D.M.A.
Eric A. Johnson D.M.A.is the Director of Choral Activities at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, where he directs the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, and teaches choral literature and conducting. He is also the Founding Music Director of Cor Cantiamo, a semi-professional choir based in the Chicago land metro area. Ensembles under his direction have performed at national and state MENC, NCCO, and ACDA conventions, Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center NYC, and appeared with many professional orchestras.
During his tenure at NIU, Johnson has collaborated with many leading composers of our time including Morten Lauridsen, Libby Larsen and commissioned new works from Sir John Tavener, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, and Stacey Gibbs, with whom he is recording an entire CD of choral music scheduled for release in 2013. Internationally Johnson has served as a guest conductor of the Clare College Chapel Choir, Cambridge, England, taught at Makumira University, Tanzania, and directed guest choral residencies at Canterbury and Worcester Cathedrals in England. He has studied conducting with Helmut Rilling, Dennis Keene, Robert Fountain, and Weston Noble.
Dr. Johnson has published music with Santa Barbara Music Publishing, has several articles published in the Choral Journal and has presented interest sessions at national, divisional, and state ACDA conventions. He is active nationally as a clinician, conductor and adjudicator and is Past-President of the Illinois-ACDA. He earned degrees from University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Luther College.
Location:
First Presbyterian Church
321 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets:
Free--donation suggested
Harlem Gospel Choir
Friday, January 27, 2012, 8:00pm
Harlem Gospel Choir
The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most famous gospel choir in America today. It travels the globe, sharing its joy of faith through its music and raising funds for children's charities. The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Cotton Club in Harlem. The Choir presents the finest singers and musicians from Harlem's Black Churches & the New York/Tri-State area. Opening for the Harlem Gospel Choir is Kalamazoo's own NAEA Gospelfest Choir.
Location:
Miller Auditorium
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
Tickets:
Ticketed through the Miller Auditorium box office.
Tenth Anniversary MICHIGAN FESTIVAL of SACRED MUSIC
November 10-20, 2011
See all our 10th Anniversary Festival events in the Festival Brochure [PDF]
Messiah Sing
Sunday, November 27, 2011, 4:00pm
George Frederic Handel
The annual Messiah Sing is now a collaboration between First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.
The 16th Annual Messiah Sing will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2010 at 4:00pm at the First Congregational Church (FCC) located on the corner of Michigan Ave and S. Park Street in downtown Kalamazoo. We invite all who want to sing the great choruses in Part 1, the Christmas portion, of Händel’s immortal oratorio, MESSIAH. Those who wish to simply listen to this great work are welcome to attend, as well. As in the past, we present as vocal soloists the Aspire Quartet from FCC - Corlyn Longer Schreck, Sara Rivara, Howard Tejchma and Joseph Schreck - and a full orchestra of instrumentalists drawn from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Graeme Cowen, Choral Director at FCC.
Each year, we add a few different elements to the Sing-along to provide interest and variety.
Admission to this Messiah Sing is free. There will be a freewill offering plus a reception to follow. Parking is available in FCC parking lot, or free on-street, but come early since we anticipate a full audience. Bring a score or borrow one at the door. For further information, call the FCC office at 269.343.1549. This event is co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.
Location:
First Congregational Church
129 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets:
Free will offering
Deanna Witkowski
Deanna Witkowski
Sunday, November 20, 2011, 6:30pm
Doors open at 5:30pm for dinner and drinks
Vocalist and pianist Deanna Witkowski performs with her trio, performing Deanna's originals and music of Mary Lou Williams.
Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, New York-based pianist/composer/vocalist Deanna Witkowski has been heralded for her “consistently thrilling” playing and her “boundless imagination” (All Music Guide). Her 2009 sacred jazz release, From This Place, led to interviews on NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday and Interfaith Voices. An expert on the sacred music of Mary Lou Williams, Witkowski will perform both originals and works by Williams with her trio.
A limited menu will be available through the Union.
Read more about Deanna and her concert schedule on Deanna's Facebook page.
The Union Cabaret and Grille
125 South Kalamazoo Mall
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
[Map and directions]
Hymn Fest with Richard Webster
Richard Webster
Sunday, November 20, 2011, 3:00pm, concert
Michigan Festival of Sacred Music presents a hymn fest, led by noted composer/arranger/clinician/organist Richard Webster, with brass ensemble and members of area children's choirs. Free-will donation will benefit area charities.
First United Methodist Church
212 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Worship and Workshop: David LaMotte
Sunday, November 20, 2011, 10:30am
DUE TO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, DON and EMILY SALIERS WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE MICHIGAN FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC on November 19-20.
Replacing them in the planned events:
Workshop: Worldchanging 101: Challenging the myth of powerlessness
In this one-hour workshop, musician and activist David LaMotte will hold up some of our cultural mythology about how things change and how they do not, and will raise questions about what it looks like to be faithful in a broken world, questioning some common assumptions about activism and change.
Sermon: What Love Looks Like
Drawing on the “sheep and goats” text from Matthew and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we will spend some time wrestling with how we go about being faithful in a broken world.
David LaMotte is an award-winning songwriter and itinerant peace activist. A veteran of ten CDs and 2,000 concerts on four continents, he suspended his eighteen-year music career at its peak in 2008 to accept a Rotary World Peace Fellowship to study International Relations, Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. As part of that study, he also spent three months in rural Andhra Pradesh, India working with a Gandhian development organization.
In 2004, David and his wife Deanna founded PEG Partners, a small non-profit organization that supports schools and libraries in Guatemala. He continues to volunteer as the Program Director for PEG. He is also a consultant on Peace and Justice at the North Carolina Council of Churches. LaMotte serves on the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee, working with twelve people on three continents to determine the AFSC’s nomination each year.
LaMotte is a public speaker and workshop leader, offering Worldchanging 101 workshops around the world for more than a decade. Touring full-time for nearly two decades, LaMotte developed a large and loyal following around the world.
First Presbyterian Church
321 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
David LaMotte with Elden Kelly
Saturday, November 19, 2011, 8:00pm
DUE TO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, DON and EMILY SALIERS WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE MICHIGAN FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC on November 19-20.
Replacing them in the planned events:
November 19, 8:00 p.m. concert:
David LaMotte with Elden Kelly
David LaMotte is an award-winning songwriter and itinerant peace activist. A veteran of ten CDs and 2,000 concerts on four continents, he suspended his eighteen-year music career at its peak in 2008 to accept a Rotary World Peace Fellowship to study International Relations, Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. As part of that study, he also spent three months in rural Andhra Pradesh, India working with a Gandhian development organization.
In 2004, David and his wife Deanna founded PEG Partners, a small non-profit organization that supports schools and libraries in Guatemala. He continues to volunteer as the Program Director for PEG. He is also a consultant on Peace and Justice at the North Carolina Council of Churches. LaMotte serves on the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee, working with twelve people on three continents to determine the AFSC’s nomination each year.
LaMotte is a public speaker and workshop leader, offering Worldchanging 101 workshops around the world for more than a decade. Touring full-time for nearly two decades, LaMotte developed a large and loyal following around the world.
Elden Kelly impresses audiences with his ability to combine jazz with a broad range of music traditions.
His CD “1,000 Doors” is a compilation of original music settings for solo voice and guitar of the sacred writings of the Baha’i Faith. In Seven Days Magazine reviewer Dan Bolles says: "Kelly approaches his source material with humble reverence. Much like Sufjan Stevens' …musical explorations of Christianity, Kelly is quietly awed by God's grace. The result is an intimate collection of works that, whatever your religious inclinations or disinclinations, makes for a stirring listen...From opening invocation 'The Word' through the disc's benediction, 'The Seven Valleys,' Kelly displays near blessed control of his abilities...His voice is … divinely inspired, and it can alternately raise gooseflesh and calm the wayward soul."
Kelly accompanies himself with the glissentar, a 12-string fretless guitar. He also performs on the oud, a pear shaped, 13-stringed instrument of the Middle East. In addition to instrumental improvisation, Kelly works as a singer-songwriter, whose musical style blends middle-eastern influences with neo-classicism, jazz, and American roots music.
First Presbyterian Church
321 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Saliers tickets will be honored. Tickets will be available at the door (cash/check) or through Miller Auditorium box office 269-387-2300 or millerauditorium.com.
Sacred Flutes: Native American flutist Juan Cruz and Shakuhachi master Michael Chikuzen Gould
Juan Manuel Cruz
Saturday, November 19, 2011, 2:00pm (FREE!)
Michigan Festival of Sacred Music presents, in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Public Library, sacred flutes: Michael Chikuzen Gould, shakuhachi, and Juan Cruz, Native American flute.
Juan Manuel Cruz of the Mixtec tribe of Oxaxac, Oxaxaca Mexico was born in Larado,Texas. He began playing the Native American flute in1994 and was ordained as a flute maker in 1995 by Tunbuot Toki of the Kiowa Nation.With six CDs released, he is planning on three new releases in the coming months. Cruz is presently is traveling the U.S. attending Native American Pow Wows with his crafts and goods.
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 South Rose Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-5270
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Briner Lecture: David LaMotte, "Sacred Profanity"
Saturday, November 19, 2011, 1:00pm (FREE!)
DUE TO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, DON and EMILY SALIERS WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE MICHIGAN FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC on November 19-20.
Replacing them in the planned events:
November 19, 1:00 p.m. Briner Lecture:
David LaMotte—FREE event
Saturday lecture: "Sacred Profanity"
Where are the lines between the sacred and the profane? And what are the costs of where we draw them? In this lecture, David LaMotte will examine the current state of the religious and secular music industries and some of the social, economic and theological implications of our cultural choices regarding how we categorize music.
David LaMotte is an award-winning songwriter and itinerant peace activist. A veteran of ten CDs and 2,000 concerts on four continents, he suspended his eighteen-year music career at its peak in 2008 to accept a Rotary World Peace Fellowship to study International Relations, Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. As part of that study, he also spent three months in rural Andhra Pradesh, India working with a Gandhian development organization.
In 2004, David and his wife Deanna founded PEG Partners, a small non-profit organization that supports schools and libraries in Guatemala. He continues to volunteer as the Program Director for PEG. He is also a consultant on Peace and Justice at the North Carolina Council of Churches. LaMotte serves on the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee, working with twelve people on three continents to determine the AFSC’s nomination each year.
LaMotte is a public speaker and workshop leader, offering Worldchanging 101 workshops around the world for more than a decade. Touring full-time for nearly two decades, LaMotte developed a large and loyal following around the world.
First Presbyterian Church
321 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Choir Workshop with Richard Webster
Richard Webster
Saturday, November 19, 2011, 1:00pm-3:30pm (FREE!)
Rehearsal/workshop for treble voices from area children’s choirs with Richard Webster in preparation for Sunday’s concert. Young treble voices and children’s choir directors: call 269-382-2910 to find out about participating!
First United Methodist Church
212 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Choir Workshop with Richard Webster
Richard Webster
Saturday, November 19, 2011, 9:30am-11:30am (FREE!)
Choral workshop with Richard Webster, co-sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Of special interest to choral directors! Come join in singing or listen.
First United Methodist Church
212 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Rohan Krishnamurthy and Ravikiran
Rohan Krishnamurthy
Friday, November 18, 2011, 8:00pm
Kalamazoo native Rohan Krishnamurthy performs with South Indian vina and vocalist, Ravikiran, exploring sacred relationships in ragas. The pre-concert program at 7:30 features local Indian dance students.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
247 W. Lovell St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Michael Chikuzen Gould
Friday, November 18, 2011, 2:00pm (FREE!)
Michael Chiuzen Gould
Shakuhachi master Michael Chikuzen Gould performs at WMU Dalton #1110.
Dalton Center Room #1110
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Edith Hines with John Chappell Stowe with WMU's Collegium Musicum
Thursday, November 17, 2011, 8:15pm (FREE!)
John Chappell Stowe and Edith Hines
A collaboration with WMU in presenting more works with Edith Hines and John Chappell Stowe with WMU's Collegium Musicum on a program including vocal and choral works, and premiere of new work for viol consort by Elizabeth Start.
Ensemble SDG, a violin and keyboard duo formed in 2009, performs music spanning the entire Baroque period, with a particular focus on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The duo has presented works by German, French, and Italian composers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in recitals from the Midwest to the East Coast. Venues include Fringe Concerts at the Boston Early Music Festival; a recital featuring the historically informed Brombaugh organ at First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois; the biennial meeting of the American Bach Society and the annual joint conclave of the Midwestern and Southeastern Historical Keyboard Societies; and the Faculty Concert Series at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where the duo performed Bach’s six sonatas for violin and obbligato harpsichord. They are currently recording Bach’s complete works for violin and keyboard—including the six sonatas with obbligato harpsichord, early versions of two of those sonatas with obbligato organ, three pieces with basso continuo, and the seldom-heard Suite in A, BWV 1025, arranged from a lute suite by Silvius Leopold Weiss.
Ensemble SDG takes its name from the epigraph used by Bach to sign many of his sacred works. Soli Deo gloria (“to God alone the glory”) represents its members’ common approach to music and to life, and it is with this grounding that they approach their technique, choice of repertoire, and interpretive decisions.
In addition to being a founding member of Ensemble SDG, violinist Edith Hines performs with the Madison Bach Musicians, Ensemble Musical Offering, and Bach Collegium Fort Wayne and directs an early music ensemble through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Continuing Studies. She has been adjunct instructor of violin and viola at Ripon College and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor at A-R Editions as well as Assistant Program Director of the Madison Early Music Festival. Edith has studied modern violin with David Updegraff, Donald Weilerstein, and David Perry and has had coaching in historical performance from Julie Andrijeski, Robert Mealy, and others. She holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Case Western Reserve University, and UW-Madison.
John Chappell Stowe is Professor of Organ and Harpsichord at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also co-directs the Collegium Musicum. He has served two terms as national Vice President of the American Guild of Organists and has held the separate posts of Associate Director and Director of Graduate Studies of UW-Madison’s School of Music. Dr. Stowe completed degrees in organ performance and business administration from Southern Methodist University, then earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Stowe performs as organist and harpsichordist both as soloist and ensemble performer. His recorded performances include Fenster with UW-Madison trumpet professor John Aley and a compact disc of the historic 1863 Wadsworth organ at St. James Church in Madison on the Ethereal label.
Dalton Center Recital Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Live and Interactive! Edith Hines with John Chappell Stowe
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 7:30pm
John Chappell Stowe and Edith Hines
Edith Hines, baroque violin; John Chappell Stowe, organ and harpsichord; Christopher Kantner, flute; and WMU Collegium Musicum, Matthew Steel, Director.
A collaboration with WMU’s Bullock Performance Institute to present Kalamazoo native Edith Hines, violin, with John Chappell Stowe performing Biber “Mystery Sonatas,” Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #5 and more.
Ensemble SDG, a violin and keyboard duo formed in 2009, performs music spanning the entire Baroque period, with a particular focus on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The duo has presented works by German, French, and Italian composers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in recitals from the Midwest to the East Coast. Venues include Fringe Concerts at the Boston Early Music Festival; a recital featuring the historically informed Brombaugh organ at First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois; the biennial meeting of the American Bach Society and the annual joint conclave of the Midwestern and Southeastern Historical Keyboard Societies; and the Faculty Concert Series at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where the duo performed Bach’s six sonatas for violin and obbligato harpsichord. They are currently recording Bach’s complete works for violin and keyboard—including the six sonatas with obbligato harpsichord, early versions of two of those sonatas with obbligato organ, three pieces with basso continuo, and the seldom-heard Suite in A, BWV 1025, arranged from a lute suite by Silvius Leopold Weiss.
Ensemble SDG takes its name from the epigraph used by Bach to sign many of his sacred works. Soli Deo gloria (“to God alone the glory”) represents its members’ common approach to music and to life, and it is with this grounding that they approach their technique, choice of repertoire, and interpretive decisions.
In addition to being a founding member of Ensemble SDG, violinist Edith Hines performs with the Madison Bach Musicians, Ensemble Musical Offering, and Bach Collegium Fort Wayne and directs an early music ensemble through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Continuing Studies. She has been adjunct instructor of violin and viola at Ripon College and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor at A-R Editions as well as Assistant Program Director of the Madison Early Music Festival. Edith has studied modern violin with David Updegraff, Donald Weilerstein, and David Perry and has had coaching in historical performance from Julie Andrijeski, Robert Mealy, and others. She holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Case Western Reserve University, and UW-Madison.
John Chappell Stowe is Professor of Organ and Harpsichord at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also co-directs the Collegium Musicum. He has served two terms as national Vice President of the American Guild of Organists and has held the separate posts of Associate Director and Director of Graduate Studies of UW-Madison’s School of Music. Dr. Stowe completed degrees in organ performance and business administration from Southern Methodist University, then earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Stowe performs as organist and harpsichordist both as soloist and ensemble performer. His recorded performances include Fenster with UW-Madison trumpet professor John Aley and a compact disc of the historic 1863 Wadsworth organ at St. James Church in Madison on the Ethereal label.
7pm Pre-Concert Conversations.
Dalton Center Recital Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets (through WMU School of Music): $12 Adults; $10 Seniors; $5 Students
WMU School of Music Convocation Series featuring Edith Hines and John Chappell Stowe
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 1:00pm
John Chappell Stowe and Edith Hines
Ensemble SDG, a violin and keyboard duo formed in 2009, performs music spanning the entire Baroque period, with a particular focus on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The duo has presented works by German, French, and Italian composers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in recitals from the Midwest to the East Coast. Venues include Fringe Concerts at the Boston Early Music Festival; a recital featuring the historically informed Brombaugh organ at First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois; the biennial meeting of the American Bach Society and the annual joint conclave of the Midwestern and Southeastern Historical Keyboard Societies; and the Faculty Concert Series at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where the duo performed Bach’s six sonatas for violin and obbligato harpsichord. They are currently recording Bach’s complete works for violin and keyboard—including the six sonatas with obbligato harpsichord, early versions of two of those sonatas with obbligato organ, three pieces with basso continuo, and the seldom-heard Suite in A, BWV 1025, arranged from a lute suite by Silvius Leopold Weiss.
Ensemble SDG takes its name from the epigraph used by Bach to sign many of his sacred works. Soli Deo gloria (“to God alone the glory”) represents its members’ common approach to music and to life, and it is with this grounding that they approach their technique, choice of repertoire, and interpretive decisions.
In addition to being a founding member of Ensemble SDG, violinist Edith Hines performs with the Madison Bach Musicians, Ensemble Musical Offering, and Bach Collegium Fort Wayne and directs an early music ensemble through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Continuing Studies. She has been adjunct instructor of violin and viola at Ripon College and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor at A-R Editions as well as Assistant Program Director of the Madison Early Music Festival. Edith has studied modern violin with David Updegraff, Donald Weilerstein, and David Perry and has had coaching in historical performance from Julie Andrijeski, Robert Mealy, and others. She holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Case Western Reserve University, and UW-Madison.
John Chappell Stowe is Professor of Organ and Harpsichord at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also co-directs the Collegium Musicum. He has served two terms as national Vice President of the American Guild of Organists and has held the separate posts of Associate Director and Director of Graduate Studies of UW-Madison’s School of Music. Dr. Stowe completed degrees in organ performance and business administration from Southern Methodist University, then earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Stowe performs as organist and harpsichordist both as soloist and ensemble performer. His recorded performances include Fenster with UW-Madison trumpet professor John Aley and a compact disc of the historic 1863 Wadsworth organ at St. James Church in Madison on the Ethereal label.
Dalton Center Recital Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Birds on a Wire Play Colson and Pärt
Monday, November 14, 2011, 8:15pm (FREE!)
Birds on a Wire
Western Michigan University's Birds on a Wire premieres a new work commissioned by MFSM from WMU Music School director David Colson. Also on the program Avo Part's Spiegel im Spiegel and solo cello works by Katia Tiutiunnik and Margarita Zelenaia performed by Elizabeth Start.
Dalton Center Recital Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Rahim AlHaj
Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 7:30pm
Rahim AlHaj
Iraqi oud player and composer Rahim AlHaj.
First Congregational Church
129 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Preview Dinner Event at Zooroona
Monday, November 14, 2011
6:00 pm light appetizers, silent auction, and cash bar.
6:30 pm dinner. Program to follow.
Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, Zooroona Restaurant, and Iraqi Health Now invite you to an Amazing Middle Eastern Benefit Dinner to benefit children and families in Iraq with a special performance music by Rahim Al Haj, Oud musician and composer.
Limited seating: reservations will be held when check is received.
$50.00 for dinner; cash bar. Proceeds go to Iraqi Health Now, a project of Healing the Children.
Zooroona Restaurant and Lounge
1710 W. Main St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Write your check out to Healing the Children with IHN in the memo line and indicate number of people and choice of vegetarian or meat entree.
Call Kathy at 269-657-5266 to make your reservation.
Burdick-Thorne String Quartet
Sunday, November 13, 2011, 7:00pm
Burdick-Thorne String Quartet
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's Burdick-Thorne String Quartet performs a new work by Yale Strom, based on music he discovered in an abandoned synagogue in Eastern Europe. Strom talks about the piece, plays and sings originals.
Congregation of Moses
2501 Stadium Dr.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Yale Strom Lecture/Performance
Yale Strom
listening to his
string quartet
Sunday, November 13, 2011, 11:00am
Yale Strom presents lecture/performance about his recent research in Jewish music, covering his new string quartet in particular.
Congregation of Moses
2501 Stadium Dr.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Tapestry
Workshop: Saturday, November 12, 2011, 2:00pm (FREE)
Concert: Sunday, November 13, 2011, 3:00pm (Ticketed)
Boston-based female vocal quartet Tapestry, popular MFSM guests, presenting a new work based on Tibetan music and folklore.
All singers are welcome for the Saturday workshop in vocal and vocal ensemble techniques. The Saturday Workshop is presented by MFSM in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Bach Festival.
Presentation of Tapestry and Le Bon Vent is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, General Mills Foundation, and Land O' Lakes Foundation.
Saturday Workshop:
FREE!
Location:
Dalton Theatre, Fine Arts Building
Kalamazoo College
1200 Academy St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Sunday Concert:
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Location:
Holy Family Chapel
Nazareth Center
3427 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49074
[Map and directions]
AliAkbar Moradi
Saturday, November 12, 2011, 8:00pm
AliAkbar Moradi
Michigan Festival of Sacred Music presents AliAkbar Moradi, foremost performer of Kurdish sacred music, following his performance at the Festival of World Music in LA.
Ali Akbar Moradi is Iran's greatest living master of the tanbur. Known for his work as a soloist and with Shahram Nazeri and Kayhan Kalhor, he has created new interest for the tanbur - an ancient lute traditionally used in religious ceremonies. His program features meditative improvisations based on the repertoire of the Yarsan people, the followers of a mystical faith associated with Sufism, who live in western Iran.
Moradi was born in 1957 in Guran, near the city of Kermanshah. He began playing the tanbur at the age of seven and studied with various masters, including Sayyed Hachem, Sayyed Mirza Khafashyan, Sayyed Mahmoud Alevi, Darvishi, Allahmouradi Hamedi, and Sayyed Vali Hosseyni. In 1973, he founded the first tanbur ensemble and began his touring career. By the age of 30 he had completed learning the entire 72 maqams (modes) of the Kurdish tanbur repertoire, making him perhaps the< only living artist with this knowledge. His recordings include the acclaimed CD, In the Mirror of the Sky, with kamancheh virtuoso Kayhan Kalhor for World Village/ Harmonia Mundi USA. He has performed as a soloist and with ensembles in festivals throughout the world, and teaches in Kermansheh and Tehran.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
247 W. Lovell St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Le Bon Vent
Friday, November 11, 2011, 8:00pm
Le Bon Vent
Le Bon Vent (Cristi Catt -vocals, Jeremiah McLane -accordion, piano, Ruthie Dornfeld -violin, James Falzone -clarinet, tin whistle, Adam Larrabee -guitar, mandolin, mandocello, Taki Masuko -percussion), explores Arabic influences in French music dating back to the Arabic occupation of the Iberian peninsula in the Middle Ages.
Presentation of Tapestry and Le Bon Vent is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, General Mills Foundation, and Land O' Lakes Foundation.
Holy Family Chapel
Nazareth Center
3427 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49074
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
MusicAEterna
Thursday, November 10, 2011, 7:30pm
Aenea Keyes of MusicAEterena
MusicAEterna (Aenea M. Keyes, violin; Michael Graham, cello; Miles Graber, piano), merging spiritual traditions and world philosophies. With projections of Japanese calligraphy reinforcing themes.
First Baptist Church
315 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Pre-concert Event with Aenea M. Keyes
Aenea Keyes
Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 7:00 pm
A special presentation and discussion with Aenea on how her musical meditation Life Circle is an expression of thanksgiving for her survival with cancer. This music also addresses the universal inner journey toward compassion and self-understanding. Audience members will have an opportunity talk about how creativity uncovers how you feel when surviving serious illness as well as aiding the healing process.
Transformations Spirituality Center
(entrance with high stone pillars)
3427 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: This is a free will offering event.
10th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, October 8, 2011, 6:00 pm
Help us start our next 10 years! There are still some seats available for our
10th Anniversary Fund-Raising Dinner. Performers include Alfrelynn Roberts, Bell Book and Canto, Muslim Youth Choir, and Elizabeth Start.
Food provided by Saffron, Shawarma King, and Zooroona.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
247 W. Lovell St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $30.00 individual, $225 table of 6. Call 269-382-2910 to purchase tickets.
Sound and Spirit of Young Kalamazoo
May 8, 2011, 6:00pm
Featuring young performers from the area representing diverse faiths, introduced by Robert Graham Small
Performers include: the Muslim Youth Choir, Sikh Temple Youth Musicians, WMU student and organist Evan Snyder performing "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" BWV 645 by Johann Sebastian Bach, WMU student Chelsea Morgan, soprano, performing "Christmas Lullaby" from Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown, Kalamazoo teens cellist Cullen O'Neil and pianist Rebecca Luppe performing Bloch's Prayer, and more…
First Congregational Church
129 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE ADMISSION: a free-will offering will be taken to help cover expenses
WMUK Broadcast of "The Witches of Lublin" on HD2
April 17 and 24, 2011, 11:00am
"The Witches of Lublin" is an audio drama by Ellen Kushner, Elizabeth Schwartz, and Yale Strom, with music by Yale Strom. It is directed and produced by Sue Zizza.
"The Witches of Lublin" was originally commissioned by the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, through a generous donation from Arthur and Marilyn Feinberg, and premiered in a live performance version at the 2007 Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.
Listen to the rebroadcast on WMUK on April 17 and 24 on their HD2 service. HD2 is easy to access with an HD radio receiver or computer (through the WMUK website at www.wmuk.org). You can also hear the broadcast on other radio stations around the country.
Watoto Children's Choir
Watoto Children's Choir
Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:30p.m.
Watoto is a response to the cry of the orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa, whose lives have been ravaged by war and disease. Founded by Senior Pastors Gary and Marilyn Skinner, Watoto is birthed through Watoto Church, a thriving local church in Kampala, Uganda.
The Watoto Children’s Choirs have toured internationally since 1994. These choirs bring a message of hope to many parts of the world which include countries such as Uganda, Australia, Canada, UK, USA, South Africa, Brazil, Israel, Germany and France. The choir is made up of children who are part of Watoto’s program.
Accompanied by adult choir leaders from Watoto Church, Watoto’s performances are a soulful blend of African rhythm, contemporary gospel and ethnic dance. Through their music the choir share their unique stories and express their new found hope. The children’s energy and sincerity continue to inspire audiences all around the world.
First Baptist Church
315 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
For more information about Watoto, go to the Watoto Children's Choir website.
2010 Off-Season Events
Messiah Sing
Sunday, November 28, 2010, 4:00pm
George Frederic Handel
The annual Messiah Sing is now a collaboration between First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.
The 15th Annual Messiah Sing will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 4:00pm at the First Congregational Church (FCC) located on the corner of Michigan Ave and S. Park Street in downtown Kalamazoo. We invite all who want to sing the great choruses in Part 1, the Christmas portion, of Händel’s immortal oratorio, MESSIAH. Those who wish to simply listen to this great work are welcome to attend, as well. As in the past, we present as vocal soloists the Aspire Quartet from FCC - Corlyn Longer Schreck, Sara Rivara, Howard Tejchma and Joseph Schreck - and a full orchestra of instrumentalists drawn from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Graeme Cowen, Choral Director at FCC.
Each year, we add a few different elements to the Sing-along to provide interest and variety.
Admission to this Messiah Sing is free. There will be a freewill offering plus a reception to follow. Parking is available in FCC parking lot, or free on-street, but come early since we anticipate a full audience. Bring a score or borrow one at the door. For further information, call the FCC office at 269.343.1549. This event is co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.
Location:
First Congregational Church
129 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets:
Free will offering
Joel Mabus and Carrie Newcomer Concert and Workshops - Make a Joyful Sound: The Fresh Voice of Spiritual Music
Carrie Newcomer
Joel Mabus
Concert: Friday, November 19, 2010, 7:00pm
Workshops: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 9:00am-4:00pm
The Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, in collaboration with Transformations Spirituality Center, presents singer-songwriters Carrie Newcomer and Joel Mabus in concert Friday night, November 19, with workshops on Saturday, November 20.
Concert
Music touches our heart, invites us to praise
the Holy and can also make our spirit soar beyond the confines of everyday
life. On November 19, join us for an evening of entertaining and spiritfilled
music with these two popular singer-songwriters as they “make a
joyful sound” with
their fresh, engaging and spirit-filled musical performances. Tickets
are $17 paid by Nov. 15; $20 at the door. Tickets for Concert & Workshops
are $60 when purchased together by Nov. 1.
Workshops
Participants will attend both workshops. Register early—spaces
are limited! Tickets are $50 paid by Nov. 1, $60 at the door. Tickets
for Concert & Workshops are$60 when
purchased together by Nov. 1.
Joel Mabus Workshop
Singing From Other Hymnals: Finding the Sacred in the Secular – a Songwriter’s Perspective
Each of us has our own ‘hymnal’-the song book housed in the pew in front of you, or the recording of your favorite teenage band. Too often we turn only to familiar sources when we seek solace or spiritual fulfillment. In this workshop Joel will explore ‘hymns’ in unlikely places, and survey songs that might not be religious or even reverent in some cases, but that speak to the soul and “our better angels.” He will look at folk songs, their historical context and development. We’ll hear popular music of other years and places—listening with fresh ears for surprises. As a songwriter and performer, Joel is keen to point out the overt lyric content, the interplay of words and music, image and subtext working together in some fabulous and moving music.Learn more about Joel Mabus at www.joelmabus.com and on YouTube. He is also part of the Kalamazoo FretBoard Festival
Carrie Newcomer Workshop
Writing Mindfully: Exploring the Sacred Ordinary in Story and Song
There is sacred power in telling stories—in telling our own story, whether in music or words. Join Carrie Newcomer as she focuses on exploring life through the power of small details and personal story. Using writing exercises, music and discussion we will explore how paying attention to small moments, and everyday miracles opens our hearts and art to encountering the Sacred in daily life. Carrie will share writing tools to writing practice, and present new ways for actively participating in our world and art-making in a more spirit-filled manner.
This workshop is designed for songwriters, poets and prose writers of all experience levels. It will facilitate the development of a unique artistic voice, discover the power of the authentic story, and the use of specific song and creative writing tools.Learn more about Carrie Newcomer at www.carrienewcomer.com and become a Facebook fan.
Location:
Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth
3427 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets:
- Concert: $17 paid by Nov. 15; $20 at the door - Friday, November 19, 2010 at 7 p.m.
- Workshops: $50 paid by Nov. 1, $60 at the door - Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Tickets for Concert & Workshops: $60 when purchased together by Nov. 1
For more information about this event, go to the Transformations Spirituality Center website.
Benefit Concert for Flood Victims in Pakistan
Sunday, October 24, 2010, 5:00pm
MFSM will present a concert on October 24, 2010 with all proceeds benefiting the flood victims in Pakistan through the American Red Cross. Through this multi-faith concert, we hope to raise awareness of the ongoing needs there, as well as bringing people of different backgrounds together to demonstrate that divisions of faith and country do not overshadow the common wish to help our fellow humans.
This concert will be held at First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo and feature performers including the Muslim Youth Choir, First Baptist's organist Robert Jordan, Sikh Youth Musicians, Aspire Vocal Quartet, violinists Fatima and Humza Mirza, Third Coast Ensemble, Pakistani-American pop singer Taimoor Khan, First Congregational Church's Choir, members of the Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra, Cantor Larry Charson, and MFSM Executive Director/cellist/composer Elizabeth Start. A light reception will follow partly donated by Shawarma House on Buckhout St., Kalamazoo.
Location:
First Baptist Church
315 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets:
Suggested Minimum Donation (taken at the door)
Adult-$10; Student -$5; Children under 10-Free
All proceeds go to support Pakistan flood relief efforts
Checks to be made to: Human Concern International, http://www.humanconcern.org/
RSVP appreciated to help plan adequate reception: (269)382-2910 or director@mfsm.us
Fifth MICHIGAN FESTIVAL of SACRED MUSIC
November 12-22, 2009
Special Festival Event: Gospel Concert by LaMont McCoy and Kevin P. Myles
LaMont McCoy
Sunday, November 1, 2009, 7:00pm
Kevin P. Myles, Detroit-area gospel singer; Lamont McCoy and Kalamazoo
gospel singers/groups present a concert at Galilee Baptist Church. A benefit
for area shelters and food banks. Donations of food and personal care items
will be accepted.
Galilee Baptist Church
1216 N. Westnedge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
For more information, go to www.gbckazoo.org
Free will offering.
Techung
Techung
Thursday, November 12, 2009, 8:00pm
Techung, a Tibetan folk and freedom
singer/songwriter presents a contemporary performance of original and
traditional music including some traditional Tibetan instruments. Techung,
who grew up in exile in India, currently resides in the San Francisco Bay
area.
First United Methodist Church
212 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Sweet Honey in the Rock®
Sweet Honey in the Rock®
Friday, November 13, 2009, 8:00pm
Miller Auditorium presents Grammy® award-winning Sweet
Honey in the Rock®, an a
capella sextet of African- American women who bring the message of the southern
black church, the civil rights movement and the conscience of justice through
musical expression. The NAEA GospelFest Choir opens the show. In conjunction
with the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music.
Miller Auditorium
Western Michigan University
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $10-$35, group discounts available
Order tickets online at www.millerauditorium.com
or by phone: 269.383.2300 or 800.228.9853
Rohan Krishnamurthy and Prasant Radhakrishnan
Rohan Krishnamurthy
Prasant Radhakrishnan
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 4:00pm
Internationally known player of the Mridangam, the South
Indian pitched drum, and Kalamazoo College graduate
Rohan Krishnamurthy performs South
Indian Carnatic
music with saxophonist Prasant Radhakrishnan.
Dalton Theater
Kalamazoo College
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Golosá, the University of Chicago Russian Folk Choir
Golosá Russian Folk Choir
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 8:00pm
Golosá, the University of
Chicago Russian
Folk Choir, sings sacred and secular Russian folk songs in a mixed voice a capella
ensemble. This concert presented
in collaboration with the Kalamazoo
Russian Festival.
First Congregational Church
129 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
**The University of Pushkin Choir was unable to attend.
CUBE: Sounding the Sacred
CUBE
Sunday, November 15, 2009, 3:00pm
Chicago’s CUBE Contemporary
Chamber Ensemble specializes in chamber music for winds, piano, and
percussion, often including voice, poetry, theatre,
dance, strings, and brass. The highly innovative programming of CUBE explores
music from around the world and new works by esteemed Illinois artists
and composers. Concert includes the premiere of a new work by Kalamazoo
composer Elizabeth Start.
First Baptist Church
315 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Bob Rowe & Co.
Bob Rowe
Sunday, November 15, 2009, 7:30pm
Singer/songwriter Bob Rowe will
present a program of original, traditional, and contemporary sacred and
liturgical music from his recordings. He will be accompanied by Rendal
Wall.
St. Catherine of Siena Parish
1150 W. Centre Ave.
Portage, MI
[Map and directions]
Free will offering
The Afro-Semitic Experience
The Afro-Semitic Experience
Monday, November 16, 2009, 8:00pm
The Afro-Semitic Experience is a cross-cultural band that delivers a positive
and meaningful musical message in jazz about Black-Jewish relations. The
group is dedicated to preserving, promoting and expanding the rich cultural
and musical heritage of the Jewish and African diaspora. Through their
concerts, recordings and workshops, they are actively creating an artistic
response to anti-Semitism and Racism of all forms. Premiere of a new work
commissioned by Chamber Music America.
First Baptist Church
315 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
David Briggs
David Briggs
Monday, November 16, 2009, 8:00pm
David Briggs clinic with Grand
Rapids American Guild of Organists in Grand Rapids.
First (Park) Congregational Church
10 E. Park St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI
[Map and directions]
For more information, go to: www.grago.org or www.parkchurch.org
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Morning: David Briggs choral workshop with four high school honor choirs.
Noon: Concert featuring David Briggs and singers from area high school honor choirs.
First Baptist Church
315 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE Concert
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Ben Hur, 1925
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 7:30pm
Screening of the 1925 silent film with organ improvisation by David Briggs.
First United Methodist Church
212 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Live from Jacob’s Ladder
Ted Swartz
Ken Medema
Thursday, November 19, 2009, 8:00pm
Concert version of “Live from Jacob’s Ladder,” a music theater comedy drama about the power of forgiveness, based on the Genesis account of twins Jacob and Esau, and their paths of deception, estrangement, and reconciliation; starring Ted Swartz and Ken Medema.
Galilee Baptist Church
1216 N. Westnedge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Yale Strom
Yale Strom
Friday, November 20, 2009, Noon
Lunch/lecture: Yale Strom on the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra "Sacred Seasons" program.
The Park Club
219 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Cost: $15, includes tax and gratuity.
To reserve a seat, call 269.381.0876 by November 13, 2009.
A Great Day on Eldridge Street
Eldridge Street
Friday, November 20, 2009, 3:00pm
"A Great Day on Eldridge Street," Yale Strom’s documentary
film is a musical and photographic celebration of the opening of the Eldridge
Street Museum and the re-opening of the Eldridge Street Synagogue on Manhattan’s
Lower East Side in October 2007. More than 100 Klezmer musicians participated
in the celebration.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N. Rose St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Sacred Seasons, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Raymond Harvey and the KSO
Friday, November 20, 2009, 8:00pm
This program, sponsored in part by MFSM, includes Four Seasons by Vivaldi, and works by Bloch and Prokofiev on Jewish themes.
Miller Auditorium
Western Michigan Unviersity
[Map and directions]
To order tickets online: www.kalamazoosymphony.com
Phone: 269.387.2300
Reserved seats: $19-$49, Harvey’s Hideaway: $5 in advance, $7 at
the door.
Group discounts available.
David Briggs Organ Master Class
David Briggs
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 10:00am
David Briggs organ master class with Southwest Michigan Chapter, American Guild of Organists at First United Methodist Church.
First United Methodist Church
212 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Briner Lecture: David Briggs
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 1:00pm
2009 Briner Lecture: David Briggs lecture on transcription and improvisation will be supplemented with organ playing to illustrate his points.
First Presbyterian Church
321 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Southern Straight Singers
Southern Straight Singers
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2:30 and 3:30pm
Southern Straight Singers present Native American Pow Wow music and dance representing sacred and social traditions of the Three Fires Tribes, known as the Bode’wadmi, Ojibwe & Odawa (Potawatomi, Ottawa and Chippewa). Program includes informative commentary and dancers in regalia. Presented by MFSM with sponsorship by Kalamazoo Public Library.
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 S. Rose St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
David Briggs Organ Master Class with Choir
David Briggs
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 3:00-4:30pm
David Briggs master class with mass community choir culminating in Evensong at 5 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
247 W. Lovell St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Evensong with Community Choir and Organist David Briggs
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 5:00pm
Evensong with mass community choir and organist David Briggs.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
247 W. Lovell
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
Klezmer Concert: Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi
Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 8:00pm
Klezmer Concert: Yale Strom and his band, Hot Pstromi. Sponsored by Arts Midwest.
Congregation of Moses
2501 Stadium Dr.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Common Chords Workshop with The Muslim Youth Choir
Common Chords
Sunday, November 22, 2009, 10:30am
COMMON CHORDS was created by Queens College’s “Bridging the Divide” program, which fosters dialogue and cooperation between Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Christians. Common Chords promotes global peace and interethnic understanding the best way we know how: through music and activism. Their first single, “What Time Will It Be?” is now up on YouTube:
Part one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ1KqHet2wk
Part two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S05ozJQjQpc&feature=related
Common Chords will appear at the festival and play at Congregation of Moses. Sponsored by Arts Midwest.
Congregation of Moses
2501 Stadium Dr.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
FREE!
David Briggs Organ Recital
David Briggs
Sunday, November 22, 2009, 2:00pm
David Briggs organ recital, including premiere of new Briggs work for organ, trumpet and soprano commissioned by MFSM. Performers include soprano Susan B. Anthony and trumpeter Scott Thornburg. Text written by Kalamazoo poet Conrad Hilberry. Sponsored by Arts Midwest.
First Baptist Church
315 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Common Chords: Celebrating the Common Roots of Muslim and Jewish Music
Common Chords
Sunday, November 22, 2009, 4:30pm
Common Chords: concert celebrating the common roots of Muslim and Jewish music, featuring Pakistani rock star Salman Ahmad, virtuoso tabla player Samir Chatterjee with Yale Strom and members of his band Hot Pstromi. Sponsored by Arts Midwest.
First Presbyterian Church
321 W. South St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Tickets: $15 Adults; $12 Seniors; $5 Students
Messiah Sing
Sunday, November 29, 2009, 4:00pm
George Frederic Handel
14th Annual Messiah Sing, MFSM collaboration with First Congregational Church. More information.
First Congregational Church
129 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI
[Map and directions]
Free will offering
2008 Off-Season Events
The Sound and Spirit of Kalamazoo
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Ellen Kushner presented "The Sound and Spirit of Kalamazoo" featuring local musicians representing diverse faiths of the Kalamazoo area. 3 pm Sunday, November 9, 2008. First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street in downtown Kalamazoo. Presentations included: Sikh Youth Musicians, mantras and kirtan from Hindu tradition, Buddhist chant by Jimyo Lisa Ferworn, Aspire vocal quartet performing a Bach cantata & a spiritual, Sacred Harp (Shapenote) Singers, Jewish cantor Larry Charson, Gospel artist Myron Cobb, recitation from Koran by Kalamazoo Islamic Center imam Nauman and Islamic nasheed. Intermission featured snacks and music by Dunuya Drum and Dance. Ellen Kushner also appeared at 11:30 am as part of the Kalamazoo Jewish Community Book Fair held from 11 am until 4 pm at the Ladies’ Library Association, 333 South Park Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo.
Messiah Sing
Sunday, November 30, 2008
TATTERED AND WORN: An Eccentric Look at the Good Book
Saturday, March 14, 2009, 8 pm
TATTERED AND WORN weaved monologue, song and sketches into an entertaining look at the way God interacts with God’s people, from Genesis to Revelation. Starring Ted Swartz and Jeff Raught. Finding the humor and humanity in biblical stories has long been a hallmark of Ted & Lee TheaterWorks. In Tattered & Worn, Ted and Jeff explore what it means to worship a God who searches for connections with us, even sending His Son to live among us. Ted and Jeff have created a new show that explores what it means to lose your faith – and to find it again. First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park in downtown Kalamazoo. Tickets ($15 adult, $12 senior, $5 student and child) available at the door, or in advance by calling 269.382.2910 or emailing director@mfsm.us. A Ted & Company TheaterWorks Production. 50 people from Ministry with Community attended this event free of charge.
2007 Michigan Festival of Sacred Music
Dr. Richard Snyder
MFSM 2007 in Memoriam
MFSM 2007 was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Richard Snyder, MFSM Executive Director from its inception through March 2004. MFSM is accepting donations in his memory.
Tibetan Monks
Tibetan Buddhist Monks
Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery constructed a Mandala Sand Painting at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with opening ceremony on Thursday and closing ceremony and sand dispersal on Sunday (Nov. 8 and 11, 2007).
The Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery performed a public program of music and dance on Saturday, November 10 at Chenery Auditorium. www.mysticalartsoftibet.org
David Shrader
David Schrader
David Schrader, who has appeared on the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival in many roles, is equally at home in front of a harpsichord, organ, piano, or fortepiano. He is organist of the Church of the Ascension in Chicago, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and performs regularly with Music of the Baroque, the Newberry Consort, and Bach Week in Evanston. www.davidschrader.com
Kalamazoo Singers
Kalamazoo Singers
The Kalamazoo Singers, Thomas Kasdorf, Director www.kalamazoosingers.org, and the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus, Fred Sang, Director www.kalamazoochildrenschorus.org, presented a Sunday afternoon concert at First Presbyterian Church.
Dawud Wharnsby and Mohamad Aburatib
Dawud Wharnsby
Mohamad Aburatib
Internationally known Muslim singer-songwriter Dawud Wharnsby returned by popular demand for a Saturday afternoon (Nov. 10, 2007) performance of English-language nasheed and original works. www.enterintopeace.com
Mohamad Aburatib, internationally known singer, performed Arabic- language nasheed.
Take 6
Take 6
Take 6, award-winning a capella gospel sextet, performed at Miller Auditorium Also on the program Kalamazoo’s NAEA GospelFest Choir directed by Roland Sunkins. (Patrons who also purchased an MFSM ticket package received a $5 discount on this event.)
Ellen Kushner
Elizabeth Schwartz
Yale Strom
Ellen Kushner
Public Radio's Ellen Kushner www.ellenkushner.com returned to the MFSM. She moderated a multi-faith discussion on Thursday evening, as well as premiered a new radio drama created in collaboration with Yale Strom www.yalestrom.com and Elizabeth Schwartz www.voiceofklezmer.com on Saturday. The three artists participated in other activities during the weekend.
Quartet for the End of Time
David Peshlakai
Benjamin Seltzer
Raymond Harvey
Julia Neckermann
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's Maestro Raymond Harvey, piano, joined KSO Artists-in-Residence to present Olivier Messiaen's "Quartet for the End of Time" Thursday night, Nov. 8, 2007. www.kalamazoosymphony.com
Multi-faith discussion moderated by Ellen Kushner followed.
Greg Secor
Also on the Thursday night program, KSO percussionist Greg Secor performed "A Robe of Orange Flame" by Christopher Deane.
Donna Milanovich and Stephen Hartman
Capriccio
Chicago-based Capriccio Donna Milanovich, flute, and Stephen Hartman, harp, and guests Emily Lodine, vocalist (featured in the award-winning documentary film “Mystery of Love”), and Elizabeth Start, cellist, presented a program of music based on Hebraic themes on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2007. www.flute-harp.com
Rohan Krishnamurthy
Rohan Krishnamurthy
Shruti Iyer
Kirnavali Narasimhan
Shoba Narayanan
Rohan Krishnamurthy, mridangam S. Indian drum, www.rohanrhythm.com, led a youthful quartet in South Indian music and dance on Sunday, November 11, 2007.
To view cable access TV interview with artist Rohan Krishnamurthy and Executive Director Elizabeth Start, follow this link: http://www.archive.org/details/MNLMichFestSacMusic11-05-07.mpg
Michael Gould
Michael Gould
Sacred flute program at noon on Friday, Nov.9, 2007 featured Michael Gould, shakuhachi. www.chikuzenstudios.com
Sacred Harp Shapenote Singers
Kalamazoo's Sacred Harp Shapenote Singers presented a one-hour video, discussion, and workshop session, as a fringe event on Wednesday night, Nov.7, 2007.
*This presentation was supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from General Mills Foundation, Land O'Lakes Foundation, and Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.
2006 Off-Season Events
Shadow Puppetry and Gamelan
Shadow Puppetry
On June 27, 2006, the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music collaborated with a large consortium of Kalamazoo arts organizations to present a program of Javanese Shadow Puppetry and Gamelan. For details on this program and the U.S. tour of this group, visit www.purboasmoro.com
Tapestry
Tapestry
Tapestry The Michigan Festival of Sacred Music brought back the critically-acclaimed Boston-based vocal chamber ensemble Tapestry for the Festival's fall 2006 "Off-Season" event. Tapestry did a choral residency with Cantus Femina, Western Michigan University's women's choir, and performed their own inimitable chamber music, with voices and percussion, as well as works in collaboration with Cantus Femina. Repertoire included works by Hildegard von Bingen, including excerpts from her Ordu Virtutem. There also were works by living composers Patricia Van Ness and Robert Kyr, some specifically written for Tapestry combined antiphonally with women's chorus.
This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from General Mills Foundation, Land O'Lakes Foundation, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
2005 Michigan Festival of Sacred Music
Burdick-Thorne String Quartet
Burdick-Thorne String Quartet
Friday night, November 11, 2005, in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the Burdick-Thorne String Quartet, KSO Artists-in-Residence, performed F.J Haydn's string quartet based on the Seven Last Words of Christ. Speakers representing Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Buddhist perspectives presented brief reflections/meditations between movements. The program was followed by a lively and meaningful discussion. Speakers were Jeffrey A. Summit, Mary Ellen Ashcroft, Mynti Hossain, and Paula Jamison, with Marty Newman providing an introduction and serving as discussion moderator.
Kalapriya Dance
Kalapriya Dance
Kalapriya Dance, Pranita Jain, Artistic Director, performs selections from the Bharata Natyam repertory at the First Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, Saturday, November 12th, 2005, 1 pm. They will also provide a workshop in Indian dance at the Epic Theatre at 11 that morning. (photo by Michael Filler)
Chicago Children's Choir
Chicago Children's Choir
The Chicago Children's Choir performed a diverse multi-faith program on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 8:00 pm. at First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. They were led by Associate Director Judy Hanson, who also presented a wonderful day of clinics for Kalamazoo area middle school students on Monday, November 14th.
Dawud Wharnsby
Dawud Wharnsby
Dawud Wharnsby performed Saturday afternoon, November 12, 2005. A third generation Canadian with Scottish and British roots, Dawud Wharnsby's recordings and reputation have established him as an institution in the realm of English language Nasheed (spiritual songs of a world-beat/folk style, drawn from Islamic cultural and musical tradition). Merging the Celtic/folk styles of his upbringing with sounds and embellishments of the Middle and Far East, Wharnsby's unique lyrical style, warm voice and knack for penning catchy melodies have yielded a rich reception from his listeners world-wide. Wharnsby also presented two workshops at Lincoln Elementary School on November 14th.
Jeffrey A. Summit
Jeffrey A. Summit
Rabbi and Ethnomusicologist Jeffrey A. Summit participated as a speaker, in discussion, and presenting programs sharing his insights into melody choice and how it defines us, Jewish music in America, and the Abayudaya music of Ugandan Jews. Summit is the Executive Director of the Hillel Foundation at Tufts University, as well as Chaplain and Associate Professor in the Department of Music. He holds Rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a Ph.D. from Tufts University where he studied ethnomusicology in Tufts interdisciplinary doctoral program. An accomplished musician, he has performed Jewish and traditional American music throughout the United States, as well as in England and Israel.
Felix Hell
Felix Hell
Back by popular demand, young virtouso organist Felix Hell, who wowed MFSM audiences in 2003, returned to do the same for our festival finale concert, Sunday November 13, 2005, on the Létourneau organ at First Baptist Church. He also performed a free noon-time concert at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek, presented a masterclass for Western Michigan University and other area AGO organists at First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, and presented an educational workshop for youth as part of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival's Keys Club at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek.
The 2005 presentations of Felix Hell and the Chicago Children's Choir were supported by the Heartland Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from General Mills Foundation, Land O'Lakes Foundation, Sprint Corporation, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.