2014-15
event season
Welcome Welcome to another season of fine music-making at First Presbyterian Church of Tyler. FPC has long been a hub for the fine arts in East Texas, and the 2014–15 season is no exception. The lineup features internationally touring musicians and local all-stars, perennial favorites and bold new sounds, sacred masterpieces and beloved sing-along tunes. Designed to have a wide appeal to audiences with diverse musical tastes, this season will not disappoint. Last year, over six thousand people came through our doors to hear a diversity of musical offerings—from Southern Gospel to Mozart and everything in between. This new season continues our goal to expand the concert series, offering high quality sacred and secular music to an ever-increasing audience of East Texans seeking an encounter with the divine through music. There’s something to pique everyone’s interest in Fine Arts at First Presbyterian Church. I look forward to seeing you at a concert very soon.
Donald W. Duncan, Director of Music
A British Invasion David Poulter, organist Friday, September 26, 2014 7:30 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
a collection of sonic delights and colourful,
musical, disciplined playing .
—organists’ review
David Poulter directs the musical programs of Liverpool Cathedral, Britain’s largest cathedral and home of the largest pipe organ in the UK. Through this appointment and his tours as a recitalist and conductor, David has built an international reputation as a cathedral musician par excellence. This fall, David returns to East Texas to dazzle us from his seat at the largest pipe organ in East Texas, right here at FPC Tyler.
Feel the Spirit! A celebration of African American spirituals featuring the Tyler Civic Chorale Saturday, October 11, 2014 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary $1 5 a d u lt s / $5 s t u d e n t s & c h i l d r e n
Born out of the struggles of African peoples enslaved in the American South, the modern African American spiritual is a uniquely American musical idiom with deep spiritual, cultural, and political roots. The first concert of the Tyler Civic Chorale’s fortyseventh season will explore this rich heritage of music while honoring the life and work of
Moses Hogan (1957–2003), one of the twentieth century’s foremost proponents of the spiritual. Hogan’s arrangements are rhythmically intricate, harmonically rich, and always appealing, and include such beloved tunes as No Hidin’ Place, I Can Tell the World, Ride on King Jesus, Down by the Riverside, and Good News the Chariot’s Comin’.
artist spotlig ht
The Tyler Civic Chorale has been enthralling audiences at First Presbyterian Church for nearly fifty years. Each season’s repertoire is intentionally diverse, with every concert dedicated to music on a certain theme, from show tunes to masterworks to madrigals. Read more about the TCC in the “Artists in Residence” section at the back of this brochure.
in his concert persona , valliant plays exciting and unorthodox arrangements .
Silent Movie: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Brett Valliant, theatre organist Friday, October 31, 2014 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
In the world of silent film, Brett Valliant is renowned for his scoring and accompaniment of dramatic classics, such as Phantom of the Opera and The Ten Commandments. Just in time for Halloween, Brett returns to Tyler to perform his original, improvisational score alongside a screening of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the 1923 silent film.
A program for children under twelve years old will be held in the Fellowship Hall concurrently with the silent movie in the Sanctuary. Parents may sign their children in at the entrance to Fellowship Hall prior to the beginning of the movie.
Evensong of Remembrance The Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church Sunday, November 2, 2014 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
This evensong service is representative of a worship tradition offered daily through evening prayers, recited and sung, in Christian churches around the world. With roots in the English Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin, evensong at First Presbyterian Church seeks to elevate the spirit through the power of music and prayer.
With quiet beauty and candlelight, this service in observance of All Saints’ Day will emphasize the power of God over death and the grave as we give thanks for the lives of those who have departed this world for the Church Triumphant.
christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and
behold, everything is softer and more beautiful .
窶馬orman vincent peale
A Christmas Spectacular Tyler Civic Chorale Saturday, December 13, 2014 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary $5 a d u lt s / s t u d e n t s & c h i l d r e n f r e e
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the second annual Christmas Spectacular, with Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, and other special guests in attendance, including Taylor Hemness, KLTV news anchor. This festive concert will include all of your holiday favorites (plus a sing-along!), and the Voices of Faith Youth Choir will make a guest appearance. There will be Christmas cookies for everyone and a special program for young children during the concert. Parents may sign their children in at the entrance to Fellowship Hall before the concert begins.
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 21, 2014 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
This annual festival celebrates its ninth season as a Christmas tradition at First Presbyterian Church. The choir prepares carols drawn from the sacred Christmas repertoire, which are interspersed with scripture readings of the Christmas story by choristers, board members, and local dignitaries. This candlelit service draws inspiration from the
internationally known Christmas Eve service at King’s College in Cambridge, whose roots can be traced back to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1880. Sung by members of the Tyler Civic Chorale, this ecumenical service is open to all of our community as we prepare to celebrate the Christmas holiday.
Mozart & More Sunday, January 25, 2015 4:00 p.m. | Liberty Hall (103 E. Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702) free admission
The music of Mozart has long captivated the hearts and imaginations of audiences and performers alike. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of his music along with that of his contemporaries and successors in the art of chamber music. A variety of repertoire rounds
out the program, with special highlights by Mark & Ute Miller and friends. The concert, held at the beautifully restored Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler, is under the artistic direction of Donald W. Duncan and Judy Biondini and will feature several very talented local musicians.
mozart, who was buried in a pauper’s grave, was one of the greatest
successes we know of, a man who in his early thirties had poured out
his inexhaustible gift of music, leaving the world richer because he had
passed that way. to leave the world richer—that is the ultimate success .
—eleanor roosevelt
Great Hymns of the Faith American Guild of Organists, East Texas Chapter Sunday, February 8, 2015 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
The East Texas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists celebrates its 50th anniversary with a hymn festival paying tribute to the great power of Christian hymnody. The festival features local and regional organists and choristers.
the stability and appeal of the humble hymn is for us a source of strength in a world of crumbling traditions . i know that the lord can speak to us through the hymns, both to our minds and to our hearts to lead us to good works .
—michael moody
201 4 –1 5 ca l e n da r
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Season at a Glance In addition to the concerts highlighted throughout this brochure, guests are always welcome in worship on Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 11 am. Special worship services included in this season overview highlight the musical talent of FPC’s own ensembles, as well as special guest musicians. Unless otherwise specified, all events listed here are held in the Sanctuary.
s e p te m b e r 2014
n ov e m b e r 2 0 1 4
Friendship Sunday Sunday, September 21 | 8:30 & 11 am Invite a friend to join us in worship.
All Saints’ Sunday Sunday, November 2 | 8:30 & 11 am Commemorate the saints who have entered the Church Triumphant before us.
A British Invasion: David Poulter, organist Friday, September 26 | 7:30 pm
octo b e r 2014
NOVEMBER
World Communion Sunday Sunday, October 5 | 8:30 & 11 am Celebrate the global Christian community through Holy Communion. Feel the Spirit! Saturday, October 11 | 7 pm UT Tyler Chorales Saturday, October 18 | 6 pm
DECEMBER
Music Dedication Sunday Sunday, October 19 | 11 am Featuring each of FPC’s music ministry ensembles and choirs. East Texas Youth Orchestra Sunday, October 19 | 4 pm Reformation Sunday Sunday, October 26 | 8:30 & 11 am Celebrate our Reformed heritage through dramatic readings. Silent Film: Hunchback of Notre Dame Friday, October 31 | 7 pm
Evensong of Remembrance Sunday, November 2 | 6 pm Voices of Faith Youth Choir Friday, November 21 | 7 pm
d ec e m b e r 2014 UT Tyler Chorales Saturday, December 6 | 6 pm A Christmas Spectacular! Saturday, December 13 | 6 pm East Texas Youth Orchestra Sunday, December 14 | 4 pm Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 21 | 6 pm Family Crèche Service Wednesday, December 24 3 pm | Chapel Interactive Christmas Eve service especially for children and families.
44th Annual Moravian Lovefeast Wednesday, December 24 5:30 pm | Sanctuary A reverent, candle-lit Christmas Eve tradition of scripture and song, accompanied by a “feast”— homemade sweet buns and hot cocoa served to each pew of worshippers.
j a n u a ry 2 0 1 5 Mozart & More Sunday, January 25 | 4 pm Liberty Hall
f e b r u a ry 2 0 1 5 Great Hymns of the Faith Sunday, February 8 | 5 pm Cantus Friday, February 13 | 7 pm Ash Wednesday February 18 | 6:15 pm The Lenten season begins with the imposition of ashes. Austin College A Cappella Choir Saturday, February 21 | 7 pm Sunday, February 22 | 11 am East Texas Youth Orchestra Sunday, February 22 | 4 pm UT Tyler Masterworks Concert Saturday, February 28 | 6 pm
marc h 2015
Voices of Faith Youth Choir Friday, March 27 | 7 pm Palm Sunday Sunday, March 29 | 8:30 & 11 am Holy Week begins with a Palm Processional led by bagpipes. Soulfood: Neal Katz, folk musician Sunday, March 29 | 5 pm
ap r i l 2015
FEBRUARY
Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 2 | 7 pm The first of the Great Three Days of Holy Week, with the Lord’s Supper. Good Friday Service of Tenebrae with Choral Meditations Friday, April 3 | 7:42 pm (sunset) This service of darkness marks the Lord’s passion. Easter Day Celebrations Sunday, April 5 | 8:30 & 11 am Celebrate the resurrection. Easter Eggstravaganza, an FPC fellowship tradition for all ages, plays out on the front lawn at 9:45 am. Kirkin’ of the Tartans Sunday, April 19 | 11 am
MARCH
APRIL
UT Tyler Chorales Saturday, April 25 | 6 pm
m ay 2 0 1 5
Soulfood: The Purple Hulls Sunday, March 1 | 5 pm
Tyler Civic Chorale Madrigal Feast Friday & Saturday, May 1 & 2 6:30 pm | Cedars of Lebanon
Requiem by Gabriel Fauré Saturday, March 7 | 7 pm
East Texas Youth Orchestra Sunday, May 17 | 4 pm
Soulfood: Lenten Evensong Sunday, March 15 | 5 pm
JANUARY
MAY
Cantus Friday, February 13, 2015 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
... ... spontaneous grace. exalting finesse
expressive power
—the washington post
free admission
Acclaimed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States,” Cantus is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and vocal blending, and for its engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the twenty-first century. As one of the nation’s few fulltime men’s ensembles, Cantus has grown in prominence in large part
due to its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process. Cantus first appeared in the Fine Arts at FPC concert series in 2008, when they delighted the audience with their musicianship and engaging stage presence. We are thrilled to have them return.
Traditions Austin College A Cappella Choir Saturday, February 21, 2015 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
Sunday, February 22, 2015 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary free admission
Choir has been an institution at Austin College since the 1890s, and the Austin College A Cappella Choir has been singing for almost 70 years. Their 2014–15 concert season includes traditional repertoire such as Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia”—and, of course, the Lutkin Benediction—as well as newer works and ensembles from the twenty-first century.
The Purple Hulls Sunday, March 1, 2015 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
You could easily say these musicians were made to make music together. Though their paths from Texas to and through Music City have been diverse, they’re finally able to combine their talents and focus their efforts as a family. Affectionately named “Ida Red” by Mr. Tom T. Hall, and later changing to The Purple Hulls, the Clark siblings are no strangers to the music business and life on the stage. After a year of writing, The Purple Hulls are hitting the road, making
sure to showcase the unique harmonies only a family can achieve while ripping the strings off any instrument they can get their hands on. If you’re looking for authentic acoustic driven country music delivered at its best, your search is over. The Purple Hulls excel at country as well as traditional gospel bluegrass music. Join us as we welcome them to our Soulfood Concert Series for an evening of toe-tapping, soulstirring gospel music.
Soulfood Concert Series Music drives the praise and meditation at Soulfood, a unique worship event series offered during Lent. These distinctive services—always a creative departure from FPC’s Sunday mornings—reflect the belief that music feeds our souls, and are followed by a community meal of Southern soul food in the Fellowship Hall.
Requiem by Gabriel Fauré Tyler Civic Chorale Saturday, March 7, 2015 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary $1 5 a d u lt s / $5 s t u d e n t s & c h i l d r e n
Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) was recognized in France as the leading composer of his day, with his music bridging the end of romanticism and the modernist movement of the early twentieth century. In his monumental work Requiem, presented at the Tyler Civic Chorale’s annual masterworks concert, Fauré refutes the gloomy tradition of funereal organ composition, replacing a fear of death with what has been called instead, “a lullaby of death . . . a happy deliverance, an aspiration.”
everything i managed to entertain by way of religious illusion i put into my requiem, which moreover is dominated from beginning to end by a very human feeling of faith in eternal rest.
–gabriel fauré
Lenten Evensong Tudor Rose Ensemble Sunday, March 15, 2015 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
artist spotlig ht
The Tudor Rose Ensemble, under the direction of Donald W. Duncan, is a consortium of talented volunteer and professional singers drawn from all over East Texas.
free admission
Evensong comes from a long tradition of sung evening prayers meant to evoke praise, penitence, and prayer. Offered as part of the annual Soulfood Concert Series, this service features a traditional Lenten choral repertoire sung in an act of praise to almighty God, proclaiming his acts in history and in the life, death, and resurrection
of Jesus Christ. This liturgy, which dates to the sixteenth century, is rooted in the English Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin. The quiet simplicity and ecumenical nature of this concert welcomes worshippers from all faith traditions seeking a deeper experience with the divine.
Soulfood Concert Series Music drives the praise and meditation at Soulfood, a unique worship event series offered during Lent. These distinctive services—always a creative departure from FPC’s Sunday mornings—reflect the belief that music feeds our souls, and are followed by a community meal of Southern soul food in the Fellowship Hall.
Rabbi Neal Katz folk musician Sunday, March 29, 2015 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary free admission
Rabbi Neal Katz has been making Jewish folk music for over twentyfive years, serving in music leadership on youth trips and retreats, performing in coffee houses and at festivals, and opening for popular musicians touring through the East Texas region. On stage he plays beautiful, uplifting music performed with high energy and interspersed
with alternately touching and funny introductions. The Rabbi is no stranger to First Presbyterian Church. He has made many appearances here as a guest lecturer, and he is an established ecumenical leader in Tyler, promoting interfaith dialogue and community. Now, we’re pleased to welcome him as guest musician to our Soulfood Concert Series.
Soulfood Concert Series Music drives the praise and meditation at Soulfood, a unique worship event series offered during Lent. These distinctive services—always a creative departure from FPC’s Sunday mornings—reflect the belief that music feeds our souls, and are followed by a community meal of Southern soul food in the Fellowship Hall.
Kirkin’ of the Tartans Lyon College Pipe Band Sunday, April 19, 2015 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary free admission
A procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrates our church’s Scottish heritage and has become an annual tradition for the congregation. This year, special guest musicians, the Lyon College Pipe Band, will lead the celebration. With a second-place prize from the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, under its belt, Lyon College’s Scottish Heritage Program truly is the
most significant in the nation for bagpiping, drumming, and Highland dancing. The arts program is designed to teach, preserve, and celebrate the Scottish arts and traditions in America. Founded in 1872 by the Presbyterian Church, whose roots are in Scotland, Lyon College is the oldest private college in Arkansas, and happens to be the alma mater of FPC’s director of music, Donald W. Duncan.
Artists in Residence First Presbyterian Church hosts the rehearsals and performances of several local musical ensembles, providing a beautiful space for the community to practice and experience the musical arts. All concerts are free of charge unless otherwise noted. vo i c e s o f fa i t h
Since 2008, Voices of Faith has sought to give young musicians a space to explore their artistic discipline through a God-honoring repertoire. The choir gathers together over seventy-five talented vocalists from the East Texas area—including middle school, high school, and college students—in a Christ-centered, community choral program under the direction of Pam Eikner, with accompanist Dana Bertino. Students believe their talents are a gift from God, and they actively seek ministry opportunities. Fall Concert Friday, November 21, 2014 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Spring Concert Friday, March 27, 2015 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
tyler civic chorale
The Chorale, now celebrating its 47th season of fine choral music, has been in residence at First Presbyterian Church for nearly forty years. Since appointing Donald Duncan as artistic director in 2006, the Chorale has become increasingly involved in the community, collaborating with other local ensembles to bring high-quality choral music to the public of Tyler. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.tylercivicchorale.org. Feel the Spirit! Saturday, October 11, 2014 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary $15 adults / $5 students & children A Christmas Spectacular! Saturday, December 13, 2014 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary $5 adults / students & children free Requiem by Gabriel FaurĂŠ Saturday, March 7, 2015 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary $15 adults / $5 students & children Spring Madrigal Feast Friday & Saturday, May 1 & 2, 2015 6:30 p.m. | Cedars of Lebanon $30 (includes meal and beverages)
ut tyler
First Presbyterian Church is home to the joint concerts of the UT Tyler Patriot Singers and University Chorale, under the direction of Cameron Rose. The Patriot Singers, UT Tyler’s premiere choral ensemble, perform a wide repertoire, from sacred Renaissance music to contemporary vocal jazz. The University Chorale, which joins the Patriot Singers in concert, is UT Tyler’s community choir. Fall Concert with the Swingle Singers and Clearly Vocal Saturday, October 18, 2014 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Tickets at www.singtyler.org Christmas Concert Saturday, December 6, 2014 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Masterworks Concert Saturday, February 28, 2015 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Spring Concert Saturday, April 25, 2015 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
e a s t t e x a s yo u t h o r c h e s t r a
ETYO provides a dynamic, classical music experience in which young and talented East Texas musicians receive high quality instruction and significant opportunities for orchestral performance. Fall Concert Sunday, October 19, 2014 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Christmas Concert Sunday, December 14, 2014 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Noted Circle Concert Sunday, February 22, 2015 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Tickets at www.etyo.org Spring Concert Sunday, May 17, 2014 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Opportunities for Music Ministry The Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church welcome musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds to join us in glorifying Almighty God. The only prerequisites are a basic level of musicianship and a commitment to use your talent in an act of stewardship and thanksgiving to God. Please contact FPC’s music director, Donald Duncan, if you are interested in becoming involved. c h i l d r e n ’s c h o i r s
chancel choir
The Carol & Covenant Choirs are open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Children learn basic music reading skills and singing technique, as well as tenets of Reformed worship and music. Children’s choirs rehearse on Wednesday evenings throughout the school year and perform in worship six or seven times each year.
The Chancel Choir is an adult choral ensemble comprised of talented volunteers, as well as choral scholars from the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College. The choir prepares a wide repertoire drawn from nearly 900 years of the western sacred music tradition, from Gregorian Chants to modern compositions, with an emphasis on literature that enhances the liturgy of the Reformed tradition. This ensemble assists in leading worship at FPC most Sundays and rehearses on Wednesday evenings.
ca r i l l o n a d u lt h a n d b e l l c h o i r
The gifted adult handbell ensemble assists in leading Sunday worship approximately once a month at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. This ensemble utilizes a five-octave set of Malmark handbells in addition to handchimes and other percussion instruments. Basic music reading ability is required for participation in this ensemble. The Carillon Choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings.
b e c o m e a pat r o n
The majority of concerts offered by FPC are free gifts to our community made possible through the generous contributions of FPC members and friends, over and above their support of the church. If you would like to assist in making this ministry possible, please consider a special gift to Fine Arts at FPC.
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pa r k i n g
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Free parking is available in two different parking lots at First Presbyterian Church, one on the south side of the Fellowship Hall, and another to the east of the main building. Designated handicapped parking is available in the upper portion of the south parking lot near the Fellowship Hall. There is also parking along the street on S. College Avenue and Rusk Street. As a courtesy to our neighbors, please refrain from parking at the local businesses surrounding the church.
www.fpctyler.com/finearts www.facebook.com/fineartsfpc www.twitter.com/fpctyler
s e at i n g & t i c k e t s
Concerts seats are offered on a first come, first served basis; all seating in the Sanctuary is in pews. The majority of our concerts are free and open to the public. For ticketed concerts, tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance from the guest organization. Ticket purchase information is listed with concerts in this brochure, where applicable. children
Older children are welcome at our concerts; however, if they become noisy or unsettled, please quietly exit the Sanctuary so as not to disturb other concertgoers. A nursery is not provided during concerts, with the exception of events taking place on Sunday morning.
230 W. Rusk Street Tyler, Texas 75701 Office: 903-597-6317 Fax: 903-597-6326 Email: finearts@fpctyler.com
N o n - P ro f i t O r g a n i za t i o n U . S . P o s ta g e PA I D Permit No. 683 Ty l e r, T X 7 5 70 1-1 696