Neighbor News
Music on the Hill Launches Fall Season
Join Music on the Hill this fall -- as a participant or concert-goer -- for a handbell workshop, three concerts, and holiday music fun!
Music on the Hill announces a full Fall 2017 season of music programming that includes a workshop, concerts by three of the organization's four performing groups, and holiday fun with music. The community is invited to participate, both as concert-goers and as musicians.
Handbell Workshop (NOT for Ringers Only!)
The fall schedule begins with a half-day Handbell Workshop, to take place on Saturday morning, October 7, at the WEPCO church complex on New Canaan Road in Wilton.
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Not for ringers only, the workshop is open to all with some music-reading experience: those who play (or have played) another instrument, singers, and those whose music skills are a little rusty. Student musicians welcome.
The workshop is divided into two tracks: one for beginning ringers who have never touched a bell, and one for experienced ringers to build skills and practice advanced techniques. Music on the Hill artistic directors David H. Connell and Ellen Dickinson lead the dual sessions. Cost for the half-day is $40, which includes lunch.
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The workshop is productive yet relaxed, a fun musical challenge. Those interested should register by e-mail to ellen@musiconthehillCT.org. Space is limited: early registration recommended.
Fall Concerts
The first concert of the fall is the Festival Chorus performing "The Power of Song" with David H. Connell, conductor, on Sunday, October 15. at 3 p.m.
An uplifting program of stylistically diverse selections -- from English madrigals to Sweet Honey In The Rock -- the concert includes works by well-known composers Randall Thompson and Aaron Copland, as well as newer works. Among them are Craig Carnahan's "Armistice 1918," his setting of the poem "Everyone Sang" written by Siegfried Sassoon at the end of WWI; and "Eye for Eye" by contemporary composer Shawn Kirchner. Performed in the visually striking Unitarian Church in Westport, "The Power of Song" is sure to move and inspire.
On Friday evening, November 17, the Chamber Chorus performs its fall concert, "Autumn Leaves," with Ellen Dickinson, conductor, in Wilton. The 16-voice professional Chamber Chorus, which performs a spring and fall concert each year, is known for impeccable a cappella performance described by concert-goers as "positively transporting." This fall's concert takes place at Wilton Presbyterian Church, distinguished by its understated elegance and vibrant acoustics.
Christmas Events
Music on the Hill's popular "Sounds of the Season" Christmas concert, featuring the Jubilate Ringers handbell choir with Festival Chorus, takes place on Friday evening, December 15, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church at the WEPCO church complex in Wilton.
This traditional Christmas concert includes seasonal selections for handbells and for chorus, as well as favorite carols sung by all with the church's magnificent 52-rank Reuter organ.
Singers, including students, who would like to participate in the Christmas Festival Chorus are invited to register by e-mail to ellen@musiconthehillCT.org. The chorus rehearses on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. starting November 14.
Other Christmas music events include "Songs with Santa," with a small group of ringers and singers and a very special guest, great for the kids. Date and location will be announced. Also, Christmas handbell carolers -- six ringers playing 12 bells -- are available for holiday gatherings. Contact ellen@musiconthehillCT.org.
Details for all concerts and events, and information about ensembles, may be found online at musiconthehillCT.org. Subscribe there to the Music on the Hill mailing list to receive notice of upcoming events. Order concert tickets online.
About Music on the Hill
Music on the Hill, based in Wilton, promotes engagement with music by offering workshops, a Summer Sings series, and four performing ensembles, all under the dynamic leadership of its artistic directors.
Ensembles are short-term commitments. Each ensemble is called for one music project at a time -- one rehearsal/concert cycle lasting four to six weeks. Participants join in as they choose, so that ensembles consist of both new and returning members, with new participants always welcome. Learn about ensembles at musiconthehillCT.org.
Music on the Hill is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to high-quality music performance and education for all ages. It is funded by generous donors and by a grant from the CT Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
