first presbyterian church
RESOUNDING DRAMA
2024 – 2025 SEASON
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 a creative lineup of events - including diverse musical guests, several of our annual musical traditions and greatly anticipated masterpieces - this promises to be a season filled with excitement and drama.
The music program at First Presbyterian Church, with its roster of talented choirs, artists in residence and considerable musical offerings, is a valued ministry to East Texas. 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
SYMPHONIC SHAKESPEARE
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 3 PM
Sanctuary | $20 adults 4
Students and Children Free Admission J
“If music be the food of love, play on.” ~ Twelfth Night
Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, William Shakespeare inspired countless great musical scores through his plays and poetry. His words flow tunefully off the page and the lives of his characters are brimming with melody.
New Texas Sinfonia opens its fourth season with works that realize the drama and excitement of ‘The Immortal Bard.’ From the gripping revenge of Coriolanus in Beethoven’s overture to the jovial comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as brought to life by Mendelssohn, this musical journey through the human passions will doubtless have you captivated.
New Texas Sinfonia
Weston Jennings, conductor
MYTHS and MYSTERIES:
An Evening with consonari
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
Recipient of the Distinguished Gold Medal at the 2023 Virtuoso Artists Festival hosted by the Seattle International Piano Festival and First Prize in the 2022 International Clara Schumann Competition, consonari was founded in 2019 by violinist Anna Larson and pianist Kaden Larson. They are passionate about a vast array of repertoire from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, especially of lesser-known and under-represented composers.
At the heart of the program stands Mythes by Polish composer Karol Szymanowski, consisting of three brief tone poems inspired by Greek mythology. The musical storytelling continues with alluring pieces by Rebecca Clarke, Sergei Prokofiev and Florence Price, concluding with American composer George Gianopoulos’ City Vignettes. consonari
Anna Larson, violin Kaden Larson, piano
IN PARADISUM: The Music of All Souls
Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 3 PM
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” ~ Luke 23:43
Since the 11th century Christians have observed All Souls’ Day to commemorate the faithfully departed through prayer and remembrance. Traditionally music has illuminated these prayers in the form of a requiem: music composed as a memorial to the dead.
The choirs of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church join together to present French composer Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem. Across its seven sections, this work is known for its tranquil and serene outlook, adorned with stunning, soulful melodies. Fauré described Requiem “as a happy deliverance, an aspiration to happiness above rather than as a painful experience.”
We invite you to explore themes of love, loss and remembrance in this program of music for All Souls’ Day.
St. Cyprian’s Singers, Lufkin
Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Tyler
Michael Murphy, conductor
Robbie Belk, organ
Weston Jennings, organ/conductor
THE DEAREST AND THE BEST: A Tribute to Veterans
Monday, November 11, 2024 | 7:30 PM Sanctuary | Free Admission J
The First World War ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, giving rise to universal recognition of Armistice Day across Europe and the United States on November 11. It was not until 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama that Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized National Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those of World War I.
With a program recollecting the pain of human conflict and strife across different lands and times, acclaimed soprano Virginia Elizondo seeks unity, calm repose and peace with a program that will play on your heartstrings.
Virginia Elizondo, soprano Weston Jennings, piano
THE MANY FACETS OF J. S. BACH
Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 3 PM
Sanctuary | $25 adults 4
Students and Children Free Admission J
To open the second season of the Tyler Civic Chorale with Richard Lee at the helm, the chorale explores and celebrates the musical mastery of Johann Sebastian Bach, not only through his works, but through the works of Mozart, as well as the jazzy stylings of the Swingle Singers.
The program twin centerpieces are two of Bach's motets: den Herrn, alle Heiden and Jesu, meine Freude, counterbalanced by three jazz choir arrangements of Bach masterworks by Ward Swingle: Sleepers Wake, Bouree in D, and the well-known from Suite No. 3. The rest of the program features excerpts from masses of Bach as well as Mozart, whose musical admiration and emulation of Bach is clear.
Each half of the program concludes with an unadorned, unaccompanied presentation of beloved chorale tunes harmonized by Bach: All Glory, Laud and Honor
Tyler Civic Chorale
Richard Lee, artistic director
CHRISTMAS IN BRASS
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 7:30 PM Sanctuary | Free Admission J
As the iconic 1964 holiday hit from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer reminds us each year, ‘Silver and gold, silver and gold, everyone wishes for silver and gold… ’
But how about adding a little brass to your Christmas this year?! From a fantastic suite of Christmas Crackers to classics such as Carol of the Bells and The Holly and the Ivy, you will want to mark your calendars for this special Christmas event with Tyler’s very own Rose City Brass Quintet.
Rose City Brass Quintet
Jeremy McBain, trumpet
Micah Bell, trumpet
Katie McBain, horn
Heather Mensch, trombone
Tom Mensch, trombone
IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Sanctuary | $20 adults 4
Students and Children Free Admission J
British vicar and author William Lawson wrote in 1618 that a garden “makes all our senses swim in pleasure and that with infinite variety.” With English composers Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, John Ireland and Gerald Finzi as our guides, New Texas Sinfonia presents an abundance of musical charm in great variety with this concert for string orchestra.
An early personal success for Elgar, the Serenade for String Orchestra is an enduring work, now one of his most popular compositions. He wrote to a friend stating "I like 'em (the first thing I ever did).” Many of the pieces on this program take inspiration from the pastoral beauty of the English countryside and have garnered the praise and delight of audiences ever since.
New Texas Sinfonia
Weston Jennings, conductor
2024 |
Fiddle Zoo for Kids
Members of New Texas Sinfonia and Guests
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 10 - 11:30 AM J
Fellowship Hall
Symphonic Shakespeare
New Texas Sinfonia, chamber orchestra
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 3 PM 4
OCTOBER
Myths and Mysteries: An Evening with consonari
Anna & Kaden Larson, violin & piano duo
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7:30 PM J
NOVEMBER
In Paradisum: The Music of All Souls
Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 3 PM J
The Dearest and the Best: A Tribute to Veterans
Virginia Elizondo, soprano
Monday, November 11, 2024 | 7:30 PM J
The Many Facets of J. S. Bach
Tyler Civic Chorale
Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 3 PM 4
Voices of Faith Fall Concert
Friday, November 22, 2024 | 7 PM J
DECEMBER
Christmas in Brass
Rose City Brass Quintet
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 7:30 PM J
Family Crèche Service
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 3 PM
53rd Annual Moravian Lovefeast
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 5:30 PM
2025 | JANUARY
In an English Garden
New Texas Sinfonia, chamber orchestra
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 7:30 PM 4
Annual Jazz Brunch
Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 12:15 PM : Fellowship Hall
FEBRUARY
Music Dedication Sunday
Sunday, February 9, 2025 | 10 AM
With Strings Attached
Texas Guitar Quartet
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM J
MARCH
Operas and Musicals
Tyler Civic Chorale
Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 3 PM 4
Happy Birthday, Bach!
Weston Jennings, organ & harpsichord
Friday, March 21, 2025 | 7:30 PM J
APRIL
Voices of Faith Spring Concert
Friday, April 4, 2025 | 7 PM J
Easter Day Celebrations
Sunday, April 20, 2025 | 10 AM
Kirkin’ of the Tartans
Fort Worth Scottish Pipes and Drums
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 10 AM
MAY
Fiddle Zoo for Kids
Members of New Texas Sinfonia and Guests
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 10 - 11:30 AM Fellowship Hall
Viva l’Italia!
New Texas Sinfonia, chamber orchestra
Bryan Anderson, organ
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 3:00 PM 4
ANNUAL JAZZ BRUNCH
Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 12:15 PM
Fellowship Hall | Suggested $20 Donation : Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 21st to reserve your seats!
“Jazz is there and gone. It happens. You have to be present for it. That simple.” ~ Keith Jarrett
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.
WITH STRINGS ATTACHED
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
Formed in 2009, GRAMMY™-nominated Texas Guitar Quartet has been hailed as “impeccable in every respect” by Guitar Magazine. Throughout the United States, Central America, Spain and China, audiences have embraced the quartet for its daring programs, dazzling virtuosity and joyful music making.
With bold arrangements of orchestral and operatic works by Giacchino Rossini, Maurice Ravel and Ludwig van Beethoven, alongside blazing works from Latin American and Spanish traditions, the Texas Guitar Quartet will leave you blown away at the musical possibilities of the guitar!
Texas Guitar Quartet
Isaac Bustos
Joseph Palmer
Alejandro Montiel
Jay Kacherski
OPERAS AND MUSICALS
Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 3 PM
Sanctuary | $25 adults 4
Students and Children Free Admission J
This light-hearted program is split right in two, with the first part of the program featuring well-known and varied opera choruses, including the famous Bridal Chorus by Wagner (more commonly referred to as Here Comes the Bride) and Italy's beloved ode to nationhood Va, pensiero by Verdi. Keep an eye out for a possible surprise guest artist to assist the Chorale during the Anvil Chorus (experience in blacksmithing preferred, but not required)!
The second part of the program features music from what opera has recently morphed into, that is, the musical theatre. Richard was a super-fan of Les Misérables in high school and is thus so very pleased to program the powerful and complex chorus from the end of Act I, One Day More. But this part of the program also includes the music of lesser-known musicals from the 70s: A Chorus Line and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Tyler Civic Chorale
Richard Lee, artistic director
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY, BACH!
Friday, March 21, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Sanctuary | Free Admission J
“ ... the most stupendous miracle in all music!” ~ Richard Wagner
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 third annual concert highlights a diverse selection of his masterpieces for both pipe organ and harpsichord performed by FPC’s Director of Music and Organist, Weston Jennings.
Sanctuary | $20 adults 4
Students and Children Free Admission J
New Texas Sinfonia concludes the season with a visit to Italy! Felix Mendelssohn’s Fourth Symphony, commonly known as the Italian, captures the ebullience and richness of Italy as experienced by the composer during his tour of Europe from 1829 to 1831. He wrote to his sister Fanny, “The Italian symphony is making great progress. It will be the jolliest piece I have ever done, especially the last movement.”
If that isn’t enough to sweep you off your feet, the program also features Alfredo Casella’s Concerto Romano for organ & orchestra, celebrating 25 years of East Texas’ largest pipe organ. With playing described by Classical Voice of North Carolina as “simply first class,” Bryan Anderson joins the orchestra for a rarely heard, yet grand, Italian concerto.
New Texas
Sinfonia
Bryan Anderson, organ
Weston Jennings, conductor
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
First
KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE
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.
HELP US KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE. USE THE ENVELOPE IN THE CENTERFOLD TO DONATE TODAY.
SEATING & TICKETS
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.
PARKING
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.
CHILDREN
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.
MORE FPC MUSIC
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.
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.
ADULT ENSEMBLES
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.
PIPE ORGAN
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.