Emmanuel Church hosts “Festival of Music” November 13

October 31, 2016 (WESTON, Conn.) -- Weston’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church continues their tradition of hosting cultural events with the upcoming “Festival of Music” on Sunday, November 13 at 4:00 pm. The program will incorporate two, 30-minute presentations: An enchanting classical repertoire from The Fontenay Chamber Players septet, followed by an exciting preview of the musical, A Broadway Holiday Show, from The New Paradigm Theatre Company. Emmanuel Church is located at 285 Lyons Plain Road, Weston. The community at large is invited to attend; admission is free, though there is a suggested donation is $10 per person. There will be light refreshments. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport (CCGB) which supports area efforts to end hunger and programs that assist those at risk to meet their urgent needs.

The Fontenay Chamber Players, cited for a "radiant meshing of color," and "brilliant tour de force," was formed in 2003, is comprised seven musicians hailing from Connecticut and New York, and is also the ensemble in Residence at The Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford. Their name refers to a French town, with a connection to the composer, Ravel, whose luminous, Introduction and Allegro, is the group’s inspiration. The Fontenay has appeared at Caramoor, Dartmouth College, Bennington College, The Hat City Opera Company, Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart University and the Pequot Library to rave reviews. The Fontenay was also chosen for the artist roster of the CT Commission on Arts and Tourism. With a captivating combination of the flute, oboe, harp and string quartet, giving a rich, orchestral sound, the Fontenay Chamber Players will delight at Emmanuel with their "visceral excitement" in works by Claude Debussy, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, Antonio Salieri (Mozart’s rival) and Scott Joplin.

The New Paradigm Theatre Company (NPT) will provide “Festival of Music” attendees with a sneak peek of their festive extravaganza, A Broadway Holiday Show, an eclectic mix of traditional holiday songs and popular show tunes -- a bona fide winning combination. Founded by Executive and Artistic Director, Kristin Huffman, The NPT is a professional theater fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theater arts education and production. The troupe will provide a preview of their NYC-esque, customized holiday show, to be held at Fairfield Theatre Company’s Stage One Theatre on December 3 and 4. This show not only entertains with Broadway dancers, singers, and instrumentalists, it also includes a mentoring outreach component, providing the chance for local students to be featured on stage.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the holiday season with a a medley of music that celebrates various genres. Both performances are sure to deliver on November 13,” said Steve Lewis, Musical Director, Emmanuel Church.

For details, visit www.emmanuelchurch.org.