This is the exciting inaugural concert of this ensemble! The program is made possible by a grant from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council. Come support the creation of new music as this budding ensemble of Rochester-area professionals presents world premieres from four outstanding Minnesota composers.
Dr. Samuel Libra & John Stender have performed together for nearly 15 years since they were Luther College classmates. Join them to celebrate friendship and the joy of music for two at the organ with duets by Briggs, Hancock, Langlais, and Merkel, along with solo works by Libby Larsen, William Grant Still, and Percy Whitlock.
A simple dessert reception and time for fellowship will follow the recital! Join us.
John Stender is Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, Rochester, MN.
Samuel Libra is currently organist and music associate at 2nd Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY and is the newly appointed Director of Music at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN.
Local performers are lifted up in this 2nd annual Community Music Showcase. Rochester are musicians are many and gifted. Often times, small ensembles need places to play and performances on the calendar - and we are so happy to offer both. Come hear the Resounding Voices Chorus, Zumbro Lutheran Woodwind Quintet, and hornist Ronald Beitel accompanied by Sarah Stender all in one place!
Improvisateur extraordinaire, expert choir trainer, impeccable churchman, and much more: there is no organist or church musician more sought after than Bruce. Join him and a choir of volunteers gathered from many congregations to send the People’s Song through the roof this Easter season!
Our Good Friday worship service will include Ronald Nelson’s Passion setting for choir and orchestra which incorporates familiar hymn tunes and congregational participation.
Join us for this opportunity to contemplate the passion story, narrated from the Gospel of Mark with musical underscoring and choral and orchestral responses.
Peerless early keyboardist, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music emerita, Elisabeth is noted for versatility as soloist, chamber artist, and her expertise in the art of basso continuo improvisation.
This will surely be a memorable, fine concert of early keyboard music.
Playful and unexpected, new-classical crossover duo The OK Factor writes and performs folk-inspired music influenced by multiple genres and styles, with an artistry that reveals their classical training. Cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan find great joy in defying expectations and delivering an experience outside of what audiences anticipate from a cello and violin combo. Their passion for performing and educational outreach has continued to bring them success in communities across the Midwest and abroad, inviting audiences to explore music and cultivate a curiosity about its role in their lives.
The OK Factor joins us in worship services this Sunday!
The sizzling new-classical crossover duo returns to FPC - their first visit was a digital-only concert during the pandemic. Now we get to enjoy their playing live and in person.
They’ll collaborate with our volunteer music program for worship services today, then take the helm for a concert at 4pm in the afternoon.
The Dean Sorenson Sextet performs LIVE and in-person. This is going to be a hot concert - get your seat early!
Dean Sorenson is a Yamaha Trombone Artist who brings a diverse and broad range of experience to the stage and studio.
He is an experienced soloist in all genres and has performed with big bands, concert bands, and symphony orchestras all over the world.
The debut recording of the Dean Sorenson Sextet is now available
CLICK HERE to purchase.
This event will be co-presented with the Rochester Art Center* in alignment with their exhibition “Chronicles of the Chronic.” Classically trained, Philip’s performance style gracefully merges classical elements, minimalist soundscapes, and cinematic qualities. Philip has over 30 million streams to his name and is popular online, in part, for the meditative and reflective beauty of his work.
Join us after the concert for a reception with Philip including light hors d’ouvres and small desserts!
For more information and to listen to Philip Daniel, visit: https://philipdanielpiano.com/
*For information on the Rochester Art Center visit them online:
RAC: https://www.rochesterartcenter.org
Exhibition On View: https://www.rochesterartcenter.org/exhibition/chronicles-of-the-chronic
We commemorate Juneteenth through readings, reflection, and musical celebrations of uniquely American styles. Gospel great Robert Robinson returns to lead gathered choral forces and a powerful gospel band in song. Come join the dialogue and celebrate in community!
In support of the wonderful volunteer music organizations thriving in Rochester, we proudly present a convenient way to hear some of the best music all over town. Featured ensembles will include the Rochester Area Handbells, Rochester Flute Choir, Inc., and more!
Dr. Patrick Pope (Charlotte, NC) with John Stender and the FPC Music Ministry, along with guest brass musicians, will lead a sonic celebration of the Risen Lord focused on what it means to live as “Easter People'“ and to be fitting stewards of the gift of Creation.
The Vocality quartet returns to Rochester to offer their exciting and entertaining a cappella sound. Come enjoy their wide ranging repertoire from 60’s and 70’s classic rock tunes to Gospel to Broadway to Barbershop! Visit www.vocalityquartet.com & find them on YouTube.
Take part in our tradition of Lessons & Carols, with music for choir, orchestra, handbells, and organ. There’s no better way to prepare the heart, “the best of rooms,” for celebrations of Christmas and the hope that Christ brings to earth.
We offer two services at 8:30 & 11:00AM, respectively.
Take part in our tradition of Lessons & Carols, with music for choir, orchestra, handbells, and organ. There’s no better way to prepare the heart, “the best of rooms,” for celebrations of Christmas and the hope that Christ brings to earth.
We offer two services at 8:30 & 11:00AM, respectively.
Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners. With Celtic and American influence, and the depth and breadth of traditional music, the band has developed a blend that is animated, ruggedly beautiful, and fun.
Both Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, Ind.) professors, the incomparable Brenda Brenner and Christopher Young perform music for organ and violin. These former Southeastern Minnesota residents return to where they began their highly distinguished academic careers.
More than a dozen trumpets and brass players with pipe-organ will offer a sight and sound to behold! Under the direction of James Olcott and boasting a vast repertoire stretching from the Renaissance to the present, the TCTE is in demand for appearances around the region. The ensemble also boasts two smaller trumpet ensembles, a jazz group of six trumpets, and is augmented by timpani, a jazz rhythm section, and occasional low brass. Fans of the TCTE remark upon the range and virtuosity of both the musical selections and the players. A Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble concert is a musical feast not to be missed!
One of the most prestigious, longest-running touring organizations in the nation, this ensemble ranks among the country’s most outstanding undergraduate college bands. Please note this concert is on a Saturday at 7:00PM.
Lee Afdahl, Director of Music Emeritus of First Presbyterian and John Stender, FPC’s current Director of Music, team up for a duet program highlighting many different musical styles and moods from Ragtime to Bach with something for everyone!
This collaboration by the Luther College Professor of Music and Coordinator of Opera Dr. Andrew Whitfield, and Assistant Professor of Music in Collaborative Piano Dr. Nicholas Shaneyfelt, celebrates the high-art tradition of song recitals and will include fine examples of art song, lieder, arias and more.
World-class Irish musicians Paddy O’Brien, (above right) button accordion; Barry Foy, (left) fiddle; and Paul Wehling, (c) banjo, bouzouki, guitar & vocals, perform an intimate and relaxed concert of traditional music handed down over generations. Info https://paddyobrien.net/chulrua/
Celebrated for its artistry, virtuosity, and exquisitely blended sound, the Ancia Saxophone Quartet performs and promotes the creation of new works, in addition to more traditional repertoire. Tune in for a lively concert!
Storytelling, accordion, piano & voice: Dan will take us on a sure-to-be-noteworthy journey.
A fun and endearing musical tour of compositions (and poetry) focused on the complexities of love for Valentine's Day, with Chad Sonka, baritone (Assistant Teaching Professor of Music, Iowa State University), Sarah Stender, piano, and John Stender, organ.
There will be numerous art songs sung as well as solo music for piano and for organ. Every piece on the program could be categorized in some way about love: divine love, sacrificial love, love of nature, love of self, love of others, and so on. Poetry will serve as the connective tissue between things.
featuring Dr. Gregory Peterson (Luther College) & John Stender, Director of Music, First Presbyterian Church, organ
512 3rd St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507-282-1618
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