The third annual summer concert series at St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis features four unique presentations by nationally and regionally acclaimed performers. The performances begin at 5:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. These events will be ‘family friendly’ with opportunities for members of the audience to meet and interact with the artists. Please note that pets are not allowed on the property during these events.
Jacquelyn Bartlett, a Boone resident, performer and professor of harp at Appalachian State University, UNC-Greensboro and NC School of the Arts, is serving as the artistic director of the series. In conjunction with Ms. Bartlett, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, which oversees events at St. John’s Church, is pleased to announce the following performances of the 2009 Music at St. John’s series.
Sunday, June 7
Fire Pink Trio
Flutist, Debra Pivetta; violist, Sheila Brown; and harpist, Jacquelyn Bartlett, combine three sensual instruments to create the dynamic and poetic Fire Pink Trio. Just as each instrument has its uniquely beautiful voice, each artist brings to the group a multitude of accolades including top prizes in international competitions, concerto performances and critically acclaimed recordings. Performing Music from Romantic to Contemporary, Latin and Jazz, Fire Pink Trio brings energy, elegance, style and virtuosity to the stage.
Sunday, July 5
Philidor Percussion Group
Celebrate your 4th of July weekend with a talented ensemble known for combining exciting music, virtuoso musicians and theatrical sensibilities. Named after 17th century kettledrummers, Jacque and Andre Philidor, Philidor Percussion Group is primarily a chamber music group which performs music written for percussion instruments. The ensemble is comprised of North Carolina musicians, John R. Beck, Rob Falvo, Wiley Sykes, and Peter Zlotnick, who will perform pieces representing musical traditions from cultures worldwide. This will be an evening of lively fun for the whole family!
Sunday, August 2
Choir of St. Mary of the Hills
The Choir of St Mary of the Hills Parish, Blowing Rock, NC, has a deep commitment to the great music of the Anglican tradition, which has led the choir on numerous trips to study with the foremost directors of choral music in Cambridge, England, including George Guest at St. John’s College, Stephen Cleobury at King’s College, and Tim Brown at Clare College. Twice featured as choir-in-residence at Durham Cathedral in England, the choir was chosen to represent the state of North Carolina at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Sunday, September 6
The Degas Quartet
The Degas’ players are violinists James Dickenson and Tamaki Higashi, violist Simon Értz, and cellist Philip von Maltzahn. One of America’s finest performing ensembles, The Degas Quartet is celebrated by audiences and critics alike for vibrant performances of classical and contemporary repertoire. Founded at the Bowdoin Music Festival in 2000, the Quartet has since performed in many of the world’s finest halls, including Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Atlanta’s Spivey Hall, Aspen’s Harris Hall, and the Library of Congress.
The cost of each events is $15 donation for adults; students may attend for $10; children under 12 years, free-of-charge. Proceeds help underwrite the continuing summer series, Music at St. John’s. For more information about the Music at St. John’s summer concerts or St. John’s Church, holy_cross@skybest.com or 828-963-4609.
Directions to St. John’s Church, Valle Crucis:
FROM LINVILLE:
Take 105 North 12.3 miles to stoplight at Watauga River Bridge. Turn left onto Broadstone Road (SR1112). Go 4.2 miles to intersection of 194 and Mast Gap Road. Turn left onto Mast Gap Road. Go .4 miles and turn left on Herb Thomas Road. Go 1.5 miles to St. John’s Church on the right.
FROM BOONE:
Take Hwy 105 South from 105/321 intersection in Boone. Go 4.8 miles to stoplight at Watauga River Bridge. Turn right onto Broadstone Road (SR 1112) and go 4.2 miles to intersection of 194 and Mast Gap Road. Turn left onto Mast Gap Road and go .4 miles to Herb Thomas Road. Turn left onto Herb Thomas Road and go 1.5 miles to St. John’s Church.
FROM MAST GENERAL STORE IN VALLE CRUCIS:
Go 1.3 miles on Hwy 194. From Mast General Store to Mast Gap Road on left. Turn left and go .4 miles to Herb Thomas Road on left. Turn left and go 1.5 miles to St. John’s Church on the right.
