Beach United presents chamber orchestra
On Monday, Feb. 8, Beach United Methodist Church at 155 Bay Rd. will present the third concert in The Hibiscus Series in the Sanctuary beginning at 7 p.m. The program will feature a chamber orchestra comprised of Principal players from the SWFL Symphony and the Chancel Choir of BUMC. Under the direction of Dr. Douglas Renfroe, the Director of Music and Fine Arts at the church, the featured work will be Haydn’s Little Organ Mass. In addition, the Chamber Orchestra will play the haunting Barber Adagio for Strings.
The guest organist for this concert is Neil Page from Exeter, England. Neil began playing professionally at the age of 13. He has served as guest organist at Exeter Cathedral in Exeter, England, and is considered a leading expert in Treble and Adult Choirs throughout the United Kingdom. In 2009, Mr. Page was appointed Special Associate organist at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key, and has developed a small professional vocal ensemble that performs throughout the Sarasota-Tampa area.
Featured soprano soloist is Johanna Fincher. Ms Fincher has sung with the Sarasota Opera AND has danced with the Sarasota Ballet. Known equally for her lyric coloratura voice as well as her choreographing ability, she will also be singing Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Pie Jesu and Gershwin’s Summertime. Johanna has toured as a soloist in Scotland, Bulgaria, Austria, Romania and Slovakia, as well as with several symphonies throughout Florida. She will be returning in June 2010 as soloist for the Varna International Music Festival and the International Choral Festival, joining bass baritone Douglas Renfroe on several additional concerts as well.
The program will include music from Broadway in addition to the compositions mentioned. There will be a free will offering to help offset expenses, and sponsorship opportunities are available to support the continuation of this concert series. After the concert, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall to allow time to meet the artists and to learn of the opportunity to travel to Europe and Israel in June 2010. Non musicians are invited, although there will be a performance in seven cities, featuring the Mozart Requiem and concerts featuring bass baritone Douglas Renfroe.
To receive additional information, please call the church office at 239-463-9656. There is no admission charge and the concert is open to the public.