"Sundays at Central" Concert Series

Free Concert Series
at Central Presbyterian Church
7308 York Road, Towson

Schedule 2008 - 2009

Featuring excellence in a variety of styles:
Vocalists, Strings, Brass, Choral Music, Piano, and Woodwinds

All concerts are at 3 pm unless otherwise noted

French Spectacular ~ Ted Dix (Tandy Edward Dix) ~ organist - September 21, 2008 - 3pm

This year's series begins with a concert by Central's new organist, Ted Dix. Winner of numerous awards, Ted comes to us from Westminster, where he teaches at both McDaniel and Carroll Community Colleges. Ted was awarded his undergraduate degree from Towson University. His graduate studies were conducted at Westminster Choir College and the Peabody Institute, where he was granted his Master of Music. In addition to teaching and performing, Ted is the accompanist of the Masterworks Chorale of Carroll County. Ted will be performing the spectacular music from 19th and 20th century France.

American Impressions ~ Brass Roots Trio - October 12, 2008 - 4pm

Take equal parts of exceptional talent, of musicality, mix it with excellent programming and amazing arrangements, and you get the Brass Roots Trio. The enthusiasm of the group and their rapport with the audience, guarantees a delightful performance. This year's program traverses the American landscape in music. From Gershwin's jazz-influenced classical style to Copland's portrayal of the early American west to Fats Waller's stride piano, the program evokes the cultures and history of America. Be prepared as their symphonic sounds melt into sultry jazz, swinging ragtime and magnificent melodies.

Ragtime, Dixieland, and All That Jazz! ~ Peabody Ragtime Ensemble - November 2, 2008 - 3pm

This 7-piece "little Big Band" was founded in 1974 as an informal student group when Ragtime was the rage. Since then, the Peabody Ragtime Ensemble has evolved into a professional jazz ensemble that performs an eclectic repertoire of traditional jazz-Ragtime, Dixieland, Big Band, Swing, Novelties and vocals. The Ensemble presents a concert program of musical selections interspersed with "edu-taining" commentary that places the music in its historical context. Each concert is a showcase for the virtuosity, scholarship and humor of its various members. Named: "Best Jazz Band" by Baltimore Magazine; "Best Dixieland Band" by Washington Area Music Association.

The Still, Still Warmth of a Soft Snowfall ~ Central Presbyterian Chancel Choir with Orchestra
- December 12, 2008 at 7:30 pm and December 14 at 3 pm

Christmas at Central evokes memories of joyous singing, soft melodies, times of sharing with a loving family, childhood joy, and contemplation of the wondrous miracle of God's gift to this world. As has become the tradition at Central, we invite the congregation along with all who enjoy beautiful Christmas music to join the Chancel Choir, the mighty pipe organ, and Orchestra as we celebrate Christ's birth. We - and you - will sing music arranged by John Rutter, David Wilcocks, Randol Bass, and Barlow Bradford. Bring your friends, your voices, your traditions - and share the warmth of Christmas with us!

George Washington, Music for the First President ~ Colonial Music Institute ~ David & Ginger Hildebrand - February 22, 2009 - 3pm

Celebrate Washington's birthday with a concert in his honor by national experts in colonial music. Step back a couple of centuries to hear the dance tunes, marches, patriotic tunes and theatre songs of colonial and federal America -- all related to Washington and his various roles as gentleman, military leader, president, and retired farmer. Using harpsichord, violin, English and Spanish guitars and hammered dulcimer, David and Ginger pepper their musical offerings with historical background on the musical selections, instruments, and times.

Swinging Fifties ~ Sentimental Journey Orchestra - March 15, 2009 - 3pm

Did you miss the Big Band Era? Or were you around for it? In either case, this concert will delight us all. The seventeen member Sentimental Journey Orchestra brings us both instrumental and vocal music that is reminiscent of an era gone by. Primarily playing music of the 50's, the Sentimental Journey Orchestra performs mostly in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia area. This concert will make you want to dance in the aisles - and perhaps you will!

Italian and English Renaissance Music ~ Peabody Consort - April 19, 2009 - 3pm

The Peabody Consort is comprised of early music majors and alumni from the Peabody Conservatory, and guest artists from the Baltimore-Washington early music community. Their program will feature music from the Italian Renaissance and Shakespeare's England for voice, recorder, lute, viola da gamba and other early plucked strings.

Tim Smith writes: The Peabody Consort presents "... stylish, atmospheric performances. Mark Cudek... has clearly imparted to his instrumentalists and singers not just a respect for historical detail, but a keen sense of the expressive possibilities in this repertoire."

May 31 Durufle Requiem ~ Central Presbyterian Church Choir and Orchestra - May 31, 2009 - 3pm

As we look at the current economic situation, it has made us think about the message we at Central would like to send out to the community. Consequently, we decided that the Mozart Requiem, a beautiful but dark piece of music concentrating on man's sin and death, was simply wrong. We have decided to switch the piece to the Durufle Requiem which is a lush, beautiful, inspiring piece of music that concentrates on light and redemption. The piece spins Gregorian chant with beautiful harmonies in a way that could only be called French impressionist music. Join us and raise your spirits and think about being in Paradise!

For more information about these concerts, please call Central Presbyterian Church at 410-823-6145. The concerts are free to the public. However, donations for the series are welcomed and can be sent to Central Presbyterian Church and marked "Concert Series."

See also:

• NV: Sundays At Central Concert Series (9/02)
• NV: Art Inside These Walls: The Sundays at Central Concert Series (10/05)
• Music Ministries at Central