Pasadena Presbyterian Church Friends of Music Program

Pasadena Presbyterian Church
Friends of Music
Concert Series

When speech stops short, then the art of music begins. -- Richard Wagner

Our Friends of Music Concert Season for 2009-2010 will be announced soon.

To receive season announcements and concert information we invite you to subscribe to our Music email list. All Friends of Music events including Music at Noon concert information can be emailed to you. To sign up click here.

Music plays an important role in our community. That reality is expressed by a quote from composer Richard Wagner, who wrote: When speech stops short, then the art of music begins.

The people of Pasadena Presbyterian Church take seriously the connection between the arts and the life of the Spirit. As Pasadena's first church, we have been a creative presence in downtown Pasadena since 1875. The congregation's commitment to music and the arts finds voice in the final sentence of our mission statement: By nurturing the mind and spirit, celebrating the creative arts and engaging in local and global mission, we proclaim hope.

One of the ways we seek to proclaim hope is by providing a Sacred Space for Music through The Friends of Music Concert Series. This annual series of high-quality concerts presents visiting musicians and the church's own resident ensembles. It also includes the popular Music at Noon concerts, in which musicians from our community and around the world present thirty-minute concerts each Wednesday at 12:10 pm. These events reach far beyond the membership of the church, bringing music to many people in Pasadena and the surrounding area.

We believe that fine music is for everyone, and because of that we don't sell tickets - all our concert events are free, enabling everyone to attend.

Our hope is that you will join us!

Every Wednesday
12:10-12:40
MUSIC AT NOON

Come enjoy thirty minutes of exquisite music presented by performers from across Los Angeles and around the world.
Lunch follows each concert for a $6 donation.

(Click underscored items below for more info)

Saturday, November 8, 2008
7:30 p.m.

DANIEL KERR, organist

Daniel Kerr will present a season-opening concert reflecting his eclectic musical tastes and showcasing the church’s amazing
Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ.

Click here for more information about PPC's Aeolian-Skinner organ

Saturday, December 13, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.

CANDLELIGHT & CAROLS

A Pasadena tradition for over six decades, this annual event features all the PPC choirs and
string orchestra as we look back in celebration – and forward to claim the new birth of the
Christmas season! The program will also include congregational carol singing.

We welcome old friends and newcomers alike to enjoy the
joyful Christmas music and join in the singing as we welcome the holiday season.

Admission is Free.
Bring your family and friends!

Save room for the wassail and dessert reception that follows!

AN EVENING WITH

Anita Protich, Jayne Campbell, Nicholas Preston and Eli Villanueva

PPC’s solo quartet will be performing solos and ensemble pieces from opera, operetta, classical repertoire literature and musical comedy.
Plan to be present for this evening of fun and thrilling music.
A reception will follow the performance.

Saturday, March 7
7:30 p.m.

TIMOTHY HOWARD, ORGANIST

PPC’s staff organist and interim music director Dr. Timothy Howard will perform his annual recital on Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Tim will play music by J.S. Bach, Mendelssohn, Rayner Brown and will conclude the recital with three of his own improvisations on Lenten hymn tunes. The recital which will be followed by a reception in Gamble Lounge. Admission is FREE — bring your friends!

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of German composer Felix Mendelssohn (Feb. 3, 1809) and Tim will commemorate that occasion by playing Mendelssohn’s Prelude in G and Sonata No. 2. He will also play Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542, one of the landmarks of Bach’s organ literature.

Rayner Brown (1912-1999) was a longtime Southern California resident, organist (Wilshire Presbyterian Church from 1941-1977) and composer. He also taught organ, composition, orchestration and theory at Biola College for 30 years where his students included Timothy Howard.

For many years, we have thrilled to Tim’s postlude improvisations, usually on hymn tunes from within the service. Few organists can approach Tim in this unique skill and his recital, will conclude with three improvisations.

Friday, April 10 - 7:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL CONCERT

Another annual PPC tradition, this year’s concert features Haydn’s Mass in Time of War and other music appropriate to Holy Week performed by Kirk Choir, soloists, guest singers and the Pasadena Singers, accompanied by the Friends of Music Orchestra. Admission is free.

Saturday, May 30 - 7:30 p.m.

BILL CUNLIFFE’S IMAGINACION

Grammy-winning composer, arranger, and jazz pianist—renown for his innovative musical style brings his Latin Jazz ensemble to PPC. The Pasadena Singers join the group performing four choral pieces written by Mr. Cunliffe. Join us for a fun and spirited musical experience.

Free Admission

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PPC'S Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ
is enhanced by the "Echo Organ" which was installed in the rear balcony in 2003

The Friends of Music Series
is an offering to the community as well as
an enrichment to the church's congregation. We hope you will plan to be with us as often as you can.

Click here to join our mailing list

Become a Friend of Music – these concerts are offered free to everyone, so your assistance is needed to help meet the costs.

For more information about the
Friends of Music, or to make a donation to support this program, contact Director of Music, Timothy Howard
(626) 793-2191, ext. 243

Or click here to send email
to Timothy Howard