First Congregational hosts impressive concerts for charities

First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Melrose at 121 W. Foster Street, is set to host a renowned Harvard all-female a cappella group and the debut album performance of award winning neo-classical composer pianist Heidi Breyer! Best of all, the net proceeds of the concerts benefit local charities!

January 10 at 7:00pm - Harvard Radcliffe Pitches a cappella group benefit performance for the Mayor's Emergency Fund

The net proceeds of this concert will benefit the Mayor’s Emergency Fund. Free will donations are tax deductible.

The Harvard Radcliffe Pitches is Harvard’s oldest all-female voiced group, founded in 1975 at the historic Hasty Pudding Club. “The Pitches” are on their winter tour singing at locations from New York City to Boston. They are landing in Melrose for a one-show, donation-for-entry engagement, thanks to co-tour manager Maddy Carbonneau, Melrose HS Class of 2016, and FCC member.

When not on tour, the 12-member Pitches sing jazz standards in four-part harmony from the hallowed halls of Sanders Theater in Cambridge.

Running time for the concert is approximately one hour.

February 9 at 7:30pm - Heidi Breyer debut album concertto benefit the Refugee Immigration Ministry program of Greater Boston

The net proceeds of this debut performance of Heidi Breyer's new album "Moonlight in Empty Rooms", will benefit the Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM).

Tickets are tax deductible: adults $25; children under 18, $15. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

About Heidi, her husband realist-painter Alexander, and her new album "Moonlight in Empty Rooms" -

In a surprisingly private corner of the very public worlds of music and art, you will find the eminent Russian realist Alexander Volkov and his wife, award winning pianist-composer Heidi Breyer in their respective studios, working alone on their inextricably connected art forms. These two artists have pushed the boundaries of collaboration well beyond synergy to synonymity through sharing their lives, their observations of the world around them and their love of art as a nourishing life ingredient.

After ten years of tough life changes and on-going artistic exploration and career growth, Alexander and Heidi have arrived at “Moonlight In Empty Rooms” an art and musical immersion that speaks to anyone looking for an opportunity for deep contemplation in the comfort of their home, or, the seat of a recital hall.

The collection of 12 piano and violin pieces were written specifically in response to Alexander’s paintings of the same name. In the booklet that accompanies the CD, we find images, explanations and vignettes of inspiration, but if that is not enough, also enclosed is a dvd containing astounding moving footage crafted almost entirely of Alexander art, set to Heidi’s music with each of the 12 videos maintaining their integrity through the simple and immersive way Alexander and Heidi created them.

In this event, the two artists collaborate in live performance. Alexander speaks philosophically about art and life and Heidi plays solo or ensemble and pitches in with lighter comment as if steering at the helm of the ship. It is a rare and unique thing.

The church will only seat 190 for this event, so we urge those interested to purchase tickets in advance.