CONCERTS AT ST.JOHN’S
2024-2025 SEASON
Concerts at St. John’s exists to provide performances for the church and community, featuring music which, in its beauty, and by performers, through their skill, edify and educate our audiences, and glorify God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Beyond the Pale Celtic Band
Sunday, 22 September, 5pm
In the parish hall, with refreshments served. $10 admission
Delighting audiences for over twenty years, this band is grounded in the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland with imaginative ventures across musical borders, playing fiery Irish reels, haunting Scottish ballads, outrageously humorous songs and music from around the world. The band effortlessly spins out intricate and rousing instrumentals, humorous and haunting songs and culturally rich stories from a variety of musical traditions. Expect the unexpected as Beyond The Pale cooks up a tasty acoustic stew on fiddle, flute, hammered dulcimer, accordion, guitar, mandolins, bodhran, whistle, concertina and saxophone. Beyond The Pale has recorded seven albums including their latest, Wantin’ Something More.
"A true gem---Beyond The Pale absolutely carries you away!"—The Ceili Magazine
"--strong singers--eclectic tunes"--Hot Press Magazine, Ireland
"Local treasures"--Ft. Worth Star Telegram
Inspirata Chamber Chorus
Sunday, 13 October, 5pm
In the church. A reception follows in the parish hall.
Inspirata was conceived when a group of fellow musicians gathered one evening to explore the opportunities to express their love for sacred choral music within their community. Although everyone had participated in various church choirs throughout the city, there remained a desire to “evangelize” the richness, tradition and beauty that could only be found in sacred music.
“The musical tradition of the Universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art” – Sacrosanctum Concilium, Second Vatican Council
Realizing that no such outlet existed, the group felt inspired to form Inspirata, a volunteer group of singers passionate about promoting a heightened awareness and appreciation for sacred choral music. This ensemble is dedicated to bringing choral excellence to some of the finest music ever composed at North Texas’ most beautiful and inspiring venues.
The Requiem of John Rutter
for All Saints
Sunday, 10 November, 5pm
In the church. A reception follows in the parish hall.
St. John’s Cantate Deo choir and a professional chamber orchestra will perform this beloved work of English composer John Rutter.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday, 15 December, 5pm
In the church. A reception follows in the parish hall.
A long-standing tradition at St. John’s, this service of Advent and Christmas readings, choral music, and congregational carols, is offered as a gift to the community from the church. Come anticipate the birth of Christ in this festival service which will be followed by a grand reception.
Choral Evensong for Epiphany
with Burning of the Greens
Sunday, 5 January, 2025, 5pm
St John’s Cantate Deo Choir sings choral evensong, one of the crown jewels of Western church music, followed by the old English tradition of the “burning of the greens.” Families are invited to commemorate the end of Christmastide by bringing their Christmas greenery to be safely burned on the church grounds. Outdoor refreshments will be provided.
Silent Movie with Organ
Accompaniment: Buster Keaton’s
The Cameraman
Sunday, 19 January, 6pm
In the parish hall. Popcorn and drinks will be served.
Organist Benjamin Kolodziej accompanies this silent comedy on his digital Wurlitzer organ in a style reminiscent of the great moving picture palaces of the 1920s in this event for all ages. This 1928 film is considered one of Keaton’s greatest, the National Film Registry considering it one of the most “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” films of the twentieth century.
Lenten Choral Concert:
John Stainer’s
The Crucifixion
Sunday, 30 March, 3pm
In the church.
St. John’s Cantate Deo choir will perform this classic oratorio which focuses on Christ’s last hours. One reviewer has said of this work that it is imbued with a “mystical spirit,” and is a virtual “treasure-trove of the mid-Victorian hymn repertoire, so characteristic for its colourful, devotional harmonic language. Stainer’s hymns – all winners – are full of such vibrant artistry."
Drew Lang, Percussion
Helen Blackburn, Flute
Sunday, 11 May, 3pm
In the church, followed by a Mother’s Day reception
in the parish hall.
Helen Blackburn is the Professor of Flute at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon, TX, and principal flutist with the Dallas Opera Orchestra. Drew Lang, virtuoso marimba player, is professor of percussion at SMU and performs regularly with the Dallas Opera Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony, and the Dallas Wind Symphony. This husband and wife duo have performed professionally for years, frequently commissioning new works.
Choral Evensong for Pentecost
Sunday, 8 June, 5pm
In the church.
St. John’s Cantate Deo choir will conclude the program year by singing a festive evensong service for Pentecost.
