Spencerville Evensong Concert Series

Cellist Amit Peled in concert, June 20, 2009

Recently hailed by the American Record Guide as "having the flair of the young Rostropovich" Israeli cellist Amit Peled is forging an international career of the highest caliber both as a soloist and as an enthusiastic teacher.

For his concert on June 20, Amit Peled was joined by pianist Eliza Ching. Included on this diverse program were Five Dances by François Couperin, Aria from Organ Pastoral in F by Johann Sebastian Bach, Elegie for cello and piano by Gabriel Fauré, Sonata for cello solo by György Ligeti, Variations on one string by Niccolò Paganini, and more. Mr. Peled recorded this repertoire the following week for an upcoming release on the Centaur label.

Mr. Peled has been featured guest artist in some of the world's major concert halls such as: Wigmore Hall, London, Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall, NY City, Salle Gaveau, Paris, National Auditorium in Barcelona, Konzerthaus Berlin and Tel Aviv's Man Auditorium. Among the orchestras that he has collaborated with are the European Philharmonic Orchestra, Radio Symphony Orchestra Saarbrücken, Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, London Soloists, Jerusalem symphony, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Tel Aviv Soloists, Haifa symphony, Musica Vitae Chamber Orchestra, Velcea Philharmonic, Hartford Symphony, Nashua Symphony, String Orchestra of the Rockies to name few.

It was an honor to host him for this concert on the Evensong Concert Series. For more details visit: http://www.amitpeled.com

Evensong Concert Series 2008 / 2009

March 21, 4 p.m. – Choral Masterworks Concert

Each year we present large-scale choral works in the Spring, often accompanied by full orchestra. This year, the Columbia Collegiate Chorale and the Spencerville Sanctuary Choir combined to present Franz Joseph Haydn's Pauken Mass and a beautiful, but seldom performed cantata by Cyril Wright called Now the Green Blade Rises. Dr. James Bingham directed choir and orchestra in this thrilling performance.

Friday, April 10, 7 p.m. – Tenebrae Service with the ProMusica of Columbia Union College

Over the past several years, this service has become a solemn tradition at Spencerville. Though not officially part of the Evensong concert series, the equisite singing of the ProMusica under director James Bingham makes this a musical event many of our Evensong Series patrons have found to be a moving and meaningful part of the Easter season. This liturgical service, celebrated for decades throughout the Christian church, incorporates readings from Scripture with choral music.

April 18, 4 p.m. – J. Reilly Lewis, organ

Dr. J. Reilly Lewis is a true Washington D.C. musical institution. As the founder and music director of the Washinton Bach Consort, he has established an international reputation as a conductor, keyboard artist and leading specialist of Baroque music, particularly the music of J.S. Bach. Dr. Lewis also directs the Cathedral Choral Society, the resident choral ensemble at the Washington National Cathedral. This was Dr. Lewis' second appearance on the Evensong Concert Series.

May 23, 4 p.m. - Michael Unger, organ

Michael Unger is the latest winner of the esteemed Young Artist Competition of the American Guild of Organists, and several other major competitions. He is nearing the completion of his Doctoral degree in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he is a student of David Higgs.

June 20, 4 p.m. - Amit Peled, cello; Eliza Ching, piano

Internationally renowned performer and teacher, Amit Peled was joined by pianist Eliza Ching in presenting a program of works for cello and piano by J.S. Bach, François Couperin, Gabriel Fauré, Niccolò Paganini, Felix Mendelssohn, and more. Mr. Peled has become a real friend to the concert series and with good reason, he's been one of its most frequent guests. His playing is incredible, with a sound that must be heard live. This concert was in preparation for a recording of the same repertoire that will soon be released on the Centaur label.