The Eastman School of Music Organ Department kicks off a new season of Community Concerts at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd.
The concert series features short organ recitals by Eastman students as part of the department’s ongoing initiative to bring outstanding organ music to the Rochester community. Performances are held in various churches around the area, giving residents many convenient opportunities to attend. Since every pipe organ is different from others, both performers and concert-goers enjoy the diverse soundscapes and colors of the variety of instruments showcased throughout the series.
From November to May, students will perform monthly concerts that facilitate a musical connection between organists and the community beyond weekly Sunday services. Events are open to the public, and a free-will offering will benefit the Eastman Organ Department student travel fund.
Performers in the first Community Concert on Nov. 15 include St. Paul’s Assistant Organist Karl Robson as well as fellow Doctor of Musical Arts students Brian Schoettler and Derek Remeš. The 1927 E.M. Skinner instrument at St. Paul’s is an iconic representation of organ building from the American Symphonic era, and has been beautifully restored by Parsons Pipe Organ Builders.
This season’s schedule of Eastman Organ Community Concerts is:
Sunday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m.: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
25 Westminster Rd., Rochester
Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m.: First Baptist Church, Penfield
1862 Penfield Rd., Penfield
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, 3 p.m.: Immanuel Lutheran Church
131 W. Main St., Webster
Sunday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m.: Third Presbyterian Church
4 Meigs St., Rochester
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, 4 p.m.: Bethany Presbyterian Church
3000 Dewey Ave., Rochester
Sunday, March 13, 2016, 4 p.m.: Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Webster
1130 Webster Rd., Webster
Friday, April 8, 2016, 12:05 to 12:45 p.m.: Episcopal Church of Saints Luke and Simon Cyrene
17 Fitzhugh St S., Rochester
Sunday, April 17, 2016, 4 p.m.: United Church, Canandaigua
11 E Gibson St., Canandaigua
More information on the Community Concert Series, including up-to-date information on performers, is available at https://www.esm.rochester.edu/organ/events/ .
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