St. Cecilia Music Guild to host organ concert by David Christopher
Delaware’s acclaimed organist, conductor and choir director David Christopher will open the St. Cecilia Music Guild’s eighth season at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, with a public concert at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes.
Other events in the guild’s program offering professional quality concerts for southern Sussex County residents will feature individuals, ensembles and choirs showcasing a broad range of talent from chamber music to jazz and song.
“As in years past, our mission is to present an outreach program that offers quality musical events accessible to all with no admission charge to attend,” said Pat Casadei, a St. Cecilia Music Guild board member. “This season, we offer an exciting range of performances by instrumental and vocal musicians of all ages. Our parish choir is also featured during special celebrations of the church year.”
Christopher, who gave his first organ recital at the age of 14 and appeared as soloist with a local community orchestra in Mozart’s “Concerto for Two Pianos” at age 15, was appointed organist and choirmaster at St. Peter’s in the Great Valley, Paoli, Pa., at age 17. Soon afterward, he became a frequent performer at Longwood Gardens, where he will appear for eight performances from November to January.
As a liturgical organist, Christopher’s unique style of improvisation and service playing has served as the glue that holds together a liturgy embracing the music of many styles, cultures and faith traditions.
He has been an associate conductor for OperaDelaware, where he made his opera-conducting debut to critical acclaim. On several occasions, he has conducted concerts featuring the sacred music of Duke Ellington, including jazz orchestra, soloists, chorus and dancers. He is the current artistic director of Delaware ChoralArts.
As a leader in training children’s voices, Christopher founded the Wilmington Children’s Chorus in 2002 in collaboration with the Mayor of Wilmington’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, where he has served as organist and music director for more than 20 years. Now a multicultural ensemble, the Wilmington Children’s Chorus, one of the premier children’s choirs in the region, will perform at a St. Cecilia concert at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 20.
Other offerings in this season’s program include a return of the Serafins, an ensemble incorporating string, wind, piano and vocalists, at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10; a Concert for Epiphany, a seasonal concert featuring music from 17th-century Italy at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7; the Joe Baione Jazz Sextet, featuring well-known jazz vibraphonist Baione, at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11; and the Lewes Chamber Players, featuring regional professional artists, at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 10.
As part of the St. Cecilia Music Guild season, St. Peter’s parish choir, under the direction of T.J. Thomas, will offer a service of Advent Lessons and Carols by candlelight at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3; and a Choral Evensong for Ascension Day at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 9.
For a copy of this season’s program and more about the performers, go to StCeciliaGuild.org.
