Bethesda Centennial
Dear Bethesda Family,
I love the rotating themes of the liturgical year. I love the predictable rhythm of when we will be the busiest and when we will have time to look at the big picture. All of this allows us distinctive kinds of energy and inspiration for listening to what God is calling us to do next in worship, in outreach, and in life.
I spend much of the summer planning out the year ahead. Mapping out the hymns, the choral music, the organ music, logistical details for our liturgical ministries, and various supplies all helps our ministries continue this incredible growth spurt we are now enjoying. With our beautiful building’s Centennial celebrations in the mix, we have some exciting opportunities.
One of my goals for a couple of years now has been to commission some new music to help us celebrate this milestone. There are numerous living composers in our current repertoire, and it would be wonderful evangelism to invite them to write something for us, and which would potentially be published with our beloved church’s name at the top as an invitation for others to experience the wonders of Bethesda. This project is now underway, and I look forward to sharing details as it progresses.
Also coming together are plans for the new concert season. Since I know many of us like to plan around events that are important to us, here is a first glimpse of the dates ahead:
Wednesday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. Christmas Concert, with orchestra and the Bethesda Choir, and Tree-Lighting reception
Saturday–Sunday, January 2–3: Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival
Friday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m. VOCES8 in concert, with optional champagne reception
Friday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m. The Bethesda Centennial Concert, with orchestra and the Bethesda Choir, and reception
The first two events are highlights every year. The international vocal phenomenon, VOCES8, opened our concert series 4 years ago and we can’t wait to hear them again. Their program will include sacred classics from Byrd, Palestrina, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Bruckner; the setlist will be punctuated with living composers and some lighter favorites. The BethesdaCentennial Concert will embrace highlights from Messiah alongside cathedral-style repertoire that is so well loved that they have attracted orchestrations.
Season passes will go on sale in a couple of months, and individual tickets will be available closer to each event’s performance date. To hear the news first, be sure you are signed up on our Music Mailing List. Click here to join.
Happy Summer!
Stuart.