first presbyterian churchJOYOFCELEBRATIONA23|22 & PEACE
Glorious music has always been an integral part of First Presbyterian’s ministry to the greater community and a primary way that we worship, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. With an imaginative series of events - including musical guests from near and far, several of our annual musical traditions, greatly anticipated masterworks, such as Duruflé’s Requiem, Jenkins’ The Armed Man, and Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, plus an ebullient celebration to ring in the first weekend of 2023 with Texas’ newest professional chamber orchestra - this promises to be a season which brings joy and peace to our lives.
The music program at First Presbyterian Church, with its roster of talented choirs, artists in residence, and considerable musical offerings, is a valued ministry of our community. To bring world-class music to Tyler and this community, we rely on your generosity. Please consider supporting our offerings with your presence and, if possible, by making a contribution in the attached envelope. We look forward to seeing you soon at First Presbyterian Church!
Weston J. Jennings Director of Music and Organist First Presbyterian Church
WELCOME FRIENDS
2 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
Thursday, September 22, 2022 | 7:30 PM
KEYBOARD COLOURS
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 3
Hailed as an artist of ‘magnificent pianism’ with an ‘engaging personality’, Guernsey-born pianist Tom Hicks returns to kick off our season with dazzling masterpieces of the 19th and 20th centuries. During his career he has appeared as recitalist in venues such as The Wigmore Hall in London, The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, and many other venues throughout Europe and the United States. He has been particularly lauded for his complete cycles of the Rachmaninoff and Brahms piano concertos. His program highlights both perennial favorites of the Romantic era alongside lesser known, yet equally captivating works from the last century.
Tom Hicks, piano
The Tyler Civic Chorale begins its 55th season alongside the A Cappella Choir of Stephen F. Austin State University, conducted by Dr. Michael Murphy, with one of the most sublime and beautiful choral works of the 20th century: Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem. It weaves Gregorian chant with sensuous harmonies and fervent rhythm into a moving and reflective masterpiece. Duruflé wrote of the piece:
Tyler Civic Chorale
“This Requiem is not an ethereal work which sings of detachment from earthly worries. It reflects, in the immutable form of the Christian prayer, the agony of man faced with the mystery of his ultimate end."
Saturday, October 22, 2022 | 7:30 PM Sunday, October 23, 2022 | 3 PM
DURUFLÉ’S REQUIEM
Sanctuary | $25 adults in advance | $30 adults at the door 4 Students and Children Free Admission J
Stephen F. Austin State University A Cappella Choir Dr. Michael Murphy, guest conductor Weston Jennings, organ
4 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Music lovers of all ages, you are warmly invited to a Carnival of the Animals!
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS FAMILY CONCERT
Saturday, October 29, 2022 | 4 PM Sunday, October 30, 2022 | 3 PM
Sanctuary | Free Admission, Tickets Required* J 4
New Texas Sinfonia Weston Jennings, conductor
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 5
For over a century, Camille Saint-Saëns’ great zoological fantasy The Carnival of the Animals has been entertaining audiences with its merry musical depiction of animals. Whether young or old, you are invited to join us in costume for this exciting event!
*Free tickets available at www.newtxsinfonia.com
Nothing warms the heart more than songs for the holidays! Come celebrate the season with the Tyler Civic Chorale in a fun and heart-warming winter wonderland.
Tyler Civic Chorale
Weston Jennings, artistic director
WINTER WONDERLAND
6 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Sanctuary | $25 adults in advance | $30 adults at the door 4 Students and Children Free Admission J
Saturday, December 10, 2022 | 7:30 PM Sunday, December 11, 2022 | 3 PM
Fellowship Hall | Free Admission J
Fiddle Zoo for Kids is a fun and exciting instrument petting zoo for children of all ages and their families. Come and go anytime from 10-11:30 am to enjoy music themed games and activities, orchestra storytime, a meet and greet with New Texas Sinfonia performers, and numerous live performances. Refreshments provided.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 10 AM
Members of New Texas Sinfonia
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 7
Saturday, January 7, 2023 | 10 AM
FIDDLE ZOO FOR KIDS
"Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true." ~ Lord Tennyson
Sanctuary | $30 adults in advance* | $35 adults at the door 4 Students and Children Free Admission J
FIRST WEEKEND 2023
Friday, January 6, 2023 | 7:30 PM
*$20 pre-sale tickets available until October 15!
8 | fpctyler.com/finearts
With music of joy, hope and renewal, join New Texas Sinfonia in welcoming the New Year! The program includes timeless favorites by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Florence Price, and Antonin Dvořák.
New Texas Sinfonia Weston Jennings, conductor
Saturday, January 7, 2023 | 3 PM
ANNUAL JAZZ BRUNCH
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 9
Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 24th to reserve your seats!
Dr. Sarah Roberts and Friends
The unique rhythmic language of jazz encapsulates something essentially human, at once championing both the individual and the collective. Celebrate this rich musical history with us at our annual jazz brunch. As always, this event promises to be a feast for the senses.
Sunday, January 29, 2023 | 12:15 PM
Fellowship Hall | Suggested $20 Donation :
Carnival of the Animals Family Concert
Friday, November 18, 2022 | 7 PM J
Voices of Faith Fall Concert
Saturday, October 29, 2022 | 4 PM J 4 Sunday, October 30, 2022 | 3 PM J 4
Keyboard Colours, Tom Hicks, piano
Winter Wonderland, Tyler Civic Chorale
OCTOBER
2022 | 2023 SEASON
Tyler Civic Chorale, Stephen F. Austin State University A Cappella Choir
DECEMBER
Duruflé’s Requiem
10 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Fiddle Zoo for Kids, Members of New Texas Sinfonia and Guests
New Texas Sinfonia, chamber orchestra
2023 | JANUARY
51st Annual Moravian Lovefeast
Saturday, December 10, 2022 | 7:30 PM 4 Sunday, December 11, 2022 | 3 PM 4
Family Crèche Service Saturday, December 24, 2022 | 3 PM
Thursday, September 22, 2022 | 7:30 PM J
Friday, January 6, 2023 | 7:30 PM 4 Saturday, January 7, 2023 | 3 PM 4
Saturday, January 7, 2023 | 10 AM J Fellowship Hall
Saturday, December 24, 2022 | 5:30 PM
2022 | SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
Saturday, October 22, 2022 | 7:30 PM 4 Sunday, October 23, 2022 | 3 PM 4
First Weekend 2023, New Texas Sinfonia, chamber orchestra
Music Dedication Sunday Sunday, November 20, 2022 | 10 AM
APRIL
Valentine’s Day Soirée, Tyler Civic Chorale Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Time and location to be announced 4
Next Stop: Carnegie Hall, Verona Quartet, string quartet Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 7:30 PM J
Annual Jazz Brunch
Sunday, January 29, 2023 | 12:15 PM : Fellowship Hall
Kirkin’ of the Tartans, Fort Worth Scottish Pipes and Drums Sunday, April 23, 2023 | 10 AM
The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Tyler Civic Chorale and Orchestra Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 7:30 PM 4 Sunday, May 7, 2023 | 3 PM 4
MAY
Happy Birthday, Bach!, Weston Jennings, organ and harpsichord Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | 7:30 PM J
FEBRUARY
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE
MARCH
Voices of Faith Spring Concert Friday, March 31, 2023 | 7 PM J
Easter Day Celebrations Sunday, April 9, 2023 | 10 AM
JUNE
Fiddle Zoo for Kids, Members of New Texas Sinfonia and Guests Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 10 AM J Fellowship Hall
The Heavenly Life: Mahler’s 4th Symphony New Texas Sinfonia, chamber orchestra Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 7:30 PM 4 Sunday, June 4, 2023 | 3 PM 4
Free Admission J Ticketed Event 4 Donation :
903.597.6317 | 11
“An outstanding ensemble of young musicians” ~The New York Times
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
12 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Dorothy Ro, violin Abigail Rojansky, viola
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Verona JonathanQuartetOng,violin
Returning to Tyler after a stunning performance in 2019, the Verona Quartet has firmly established itself amongst the most distinguished ensembles on the chamber music scene today. The group’s singular sense of purpose most recently earned them Chamber Music America’s coveted 2020 Cleveland Quartet Award, and a reputation for its “bold interpretive strength, robust characterization and commanding resonance” (Calgary Herald). The Quartet serves on the faculty of the Oberlin College and Conservatory as the Quartet-in-Residence. You won’t want to miss this powerhouse quartet just before they return to Carnegie Hall later this season!
Jonathan Dormand, cello
NEXT STOP: CARNEGIE HALL
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 13
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
“Bach is the beginning and end of all music.” ~ Max Reger
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Often regarded as the greatest composer of Western classical music, Johann Sebastian Bach and his compositions have captured the hearts and minds of humankind for centuries. This concert features a diverse selection of his masterpieces for both pipe organ and harpsichord performed by FPC’s Director of Music and Organist, Weston Jennings.
Weston Jennings, organ and harpsichord
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BACH!
14 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Sunday, April 23, 2023 | 10 AM Sanctuary | Free Admission J
A procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrates First Presbyterian Church’s Scottish heritage and is an annual tradition for the congregation. Join us as special guest musicians, the Fort Worth Scottish Pipes and Drums, return to lead the celebration.
Fort Worth Scottish Pipes and Drums
KIRKIN’ OF THE TARTANS
Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Tyler Civic Chorale and Orchestra Weston Jennings, artistic director
THE ARMED MAN: A MASS FOR PEACE
Sunday, May 7, 2023 | 3 PM
Always challenging conventional categorization, Sir Karl Jenkins transcends musical boundaries and is one of the most performed composers in the world today. His work The Armed Man for choir and ensemble was commissioned by the Royal Armouries in Great Britain to mark the transition from one millennium to another and was dedicated to victims of the Kosovo crisis. With over 3,000 performances worldwide since its premiere in 2000, his Mass for Peace reflects on the passing of ‘the most war-torn and destructive century in human history’ and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future.
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 15
Sanctuary | $25 adults in advance | $30 adults at the door 4 Students and Children Free Admission J
Beginning with the sparkling sound of sleigh bells, Mahler’s Fourth Symphony takes the listener on a grand, sunlit journey from earth to heaven. Unlike his other symphonies, joy, humor and delight run through the work, concluding with a child’s vision of heaven, sung by a solo soprano.
Sanctuary | $30 adults in advance* | $35 adults at the door 4
16 | fpctyler.com/finearts
THE HEAVENLY LIFE: MAHLER’S 4TH SYMPHONY
New Texas Sinfonia Molly Fillmore, soprano Weston Jennings, conductor *$20 pre-sale tickets available until March 15!
Sunday, June 4, 2023 | 3 PM
Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 7:30 PM
New Texas Sinfonia is delighted to be joined by internationally-acclaimed soprano Molly Fillmore whose vibrant voice will give life to this masterpiece by Gustav Mahler.
IN RESIDENCE
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 17 First Presbyterian Church hosts the rehearsals and performances of numerous musical ensembles, providing a beautiful space for the community to practice and experience the musicaltylercivicchorale.orgarts. VOICES OF FAITH https://vofchoir-30747.firebaseapp.comnewtxsinfonia.com833.937.8661 STAY IN TOUCH First Presbyterian Church 230 W. Rusk St. Tyler, TX 75701 903.597.6317 http://instagram.com/fine_arts_at_fpcfacebook.com/fineartsfpcfpctyler.com/fineartsfinearts@fpctyler.com
ARTISTS
Seats are offered on a first come, first served basis. All Sanctuary seating is in pews. The majority of concerts are free and open to the public. For ticketed concerts, purchase tickets at the door or in advance. Ticket purchase information with concerts in this brochure, where applicable.
CHILDREN
18 | fpctyler.com/finearts
Over the years, your generosity and commitment have sustained Fine Arts @ First Presbyterian Church as a vibrant space for the arts in East Texas. While most concerts are offered free of charge, none of them are without expense. Hosting guest artists, maintaining this beautiful space, coordinating Artists in Residence, getting the word out - all of these efforts require resources.
Consider what these offerings have meant to you - from a musical, cultural or spiritual standpoint - and consider making a gift today. Your contributions help this series continue to flourish as a living tradition of fine music-making.
PARKING
Older children are welcome at our concerts, however if they become noisy or unsettled, please quietly exit the Sanctuary in order not to disturb other concert goers. Except for events taking place on Sunday mornings, a nursery is not provided during concerts.
KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE
HELP US KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE. USE THE ENVELOPE IN THE CENTERFOLD TO DONATE TODAY.
SEATING & TICKETS
Free parking is available in two parking lots at FPC: on the south side of Fellowship Hall and another east of the main building. Designated handicap parking is available in the upper portion of the south lot near Fellowship Hall. Please do not park at the local businesses surrounding the church.
The Chancel Choir leads worship with a musical variety ranging from the great anthems of the Reformation and choral masterworks, to hymn-based anthems and more modern musical settings. The Carillon Hand bell Choir and PentaBronze ring often during worship, utilizing a five-octave set of Malmark handbells.
The Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church welcome musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds to join us in glorifying God. Learn about joining us at fpctyler.com/music.
A CELEBRATION OF JOY & PEACE | 19
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
The Carol Choir (preK-1st grade) teaches basic music reading skills and singing technique, as well as tenets of Reformed music and worship. The Covenant Choir (grades 2-6) helps older children and youth develop choral technique and leadership, while providing an opportunity to learn their faith through song. Both groups contribute to worship throughout the school year.
First Presbyterian’s sanctuary pipe organ - the largest in East Texas - was built in 2000 by Casavant Frères. The four-manual and pedal console controls a diverse range of timbres, including beautiful flutes, rich diapasons, a variety of reed tone, and a generous number of lush strings and celestes.
PIPE ORGAN
MORE FPC MUSIC
ADULT ENSEMBLES
firstpresbyterianchurch firstpresbyterianchurch 75701TXTyler,St.RuskW.230 REQUESTEDSERVICESRETURN finearts@fpctyler.com Non-Profit Organization PostageU.S. PAID 683No.Permit TXTyler, 75701-1696
