Choir School Benefit Concert Kicks Off Concerts on the Hill

PORTSMOUTH, NH - The 2016 Concerts on the Hill series kicks off Sunday, May 22, 2016, with “Musical Potpourri” a concert to benefit The Choir School at St. John’s, according to a press statement.

This year’s concert series is celebrating the Year of the Organ in honor of the 15th birthday of the church’s main pipe organ and the 308th birthday of its smaller organ. This is the first of six performances that will each include the organ. All concerts will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth and will start at 4 p.m.

“Musical Potpourri,” a pairing of organ and choir, as well as other ensembles and soloists will feature a cameo performance by The Choir School at St. John’s. The program also includes sets by the Portsmouth High School Madrigal Singers, brass faculty from UNH including Robert Stibler, local tenor Andrew Sokol, and other local performers. The concert marks the debut performance of The Choir School at St. John’s, a group of local youth who are involved with a music after school program at St. John’s Church. This concert also features the world premiere of a newly commissioned choir and organ work by Indiana-based composer Nathan Stang.

“The Choir School provides the highest level of music training for local youth,” noted Margaret Harper, Director of Music and Liturgy, St. John’s Episcopal Church. “We are so proud of our students, who in addition to their choral training have been studying music theory, music history, and piano. We are thrilled to be kicking off this year’s Concerts on the Hill series with a concert to benefit the Choir School.”

At each performance of Concerts on the Hill, audience members will have the opportunity to hear directly from the performers about the musical selections and the featured instruments. There is a suggested at-the-door donation of $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Children under 16 are welcomed and encouraged to attend at no charge.

The next Concerts on the Hill performance, “Spring in Summer” will be held June 26 and will feature Violinist Amelia Dietrich. St. John’s Episcopal Church is located at 100 Chapel Street in Portsmouth, NH.

For more information about Concerts on the Hill or St. John’s Episcopal Church, visit stjohnsnh.org/COTH.

Tenor Andrew Sokol and UNH’s Dr. Robert Stibler on trumpet will perform as part of “Musical Potpourri” on May 22.

Submitted by Caroline Amport Piper