September 19, 4 p.m. – Baroque Ensemble Ostraka
The baroque ensemble Ostraka opened the 2009/2010 concert series with a concert of music for bass viol, theorbo, lute and baroque guitar. This intimate program, titled Division, traced the history of ornamentation and improvisation in the solo music for bass viol. Beginning with the seminal music of Spanish composer Diego Ortiz and continuing through various European national styles spanning three centuries. The Ostraka trio members are Josh Lee, viol; John Lenti, lute; and David Walker, lute and guitar.
October 3, 4 p.m. – Sara Daneshpour, piano
Sara Daneshpour has appeared several times in concert at Spencerville. She is a favorite performer of ours, and for good reason. On October 3 she presented works by J.S. Bach, Robert Schumann, Claude Debussy, Frederic Chopin, and Sergei Prokofiev. At just 22 years old, Ms. Daneshpour is already establishing herself as a musical figure to be reckoned with. The Washington Post wrote of her performance with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra "...she created transfixing poetry. And she found delightful details in passagework and incidents that other pianists treat as routine." Her performance on the concert series this year was outstanding.
October 24, 4 p.m. - Bela Voce
Bela Voce is a vocal trio formed by Karla Rivera, soprano, Javier Gonzalez, tenor, and German Rodriguez, baritone. These talented young singers have been gaining a loyal following, presenting original works and their own arrangements. Their repertoire spans the centuries with music that has a broad appeal.
November 21, 4 p.m. - James DeWire, piano
James DeWire is a piano soloist and chamber player who holds degrees from the University of Virginia, the New England Conservatory and the University of Maryland. He has performed throughout the country and recorded several live performance solo CD's. His program featured works by J.S. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Maurice Ravel, and Franz Liszt.
December 12, 4 p.m. - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
We observe traditions as a way of honoring what's come before, and because they anchor us, in a world of constant change, to something we can rely on. Our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (patterned after the service first held at King's College on Christmas Eve in 1918) is just such a tradition. We've presented this service, now a beloved tradition in our community, since 1988. We hope you'll join us again next year.
February 20, 4 p.m. - Jeremy Filsell, organ
English organist Jeremy Filsell is one of the few master organists today who also perform solo piano concerts. For select recitals, when the instruments are available for him to do so, he presents programs that highlight the contrasts and similarities of the works by composers who wrote for both instruments. Mr. Filsell is a virtuoso performer with hundreds of recitals and dozens of recordings to his credit, including the complete works of Marcel Dupré. He has dazzling technique and flawless musical instincts. His recital in February was brilliantly executed.
March 20, 4 p.m. - Choral Masterworks with the Columbia Collegiate Chorale
Each year, the director of our sanctuary choir, Dr. James Bingham, brings the students from the Washington Adventist University (formerly Columbia Union College) where he serves as Chair of the music department, to present a concert of masterworks from the choral repertoire. Years past have included performances of the Fauré, Duruflé, and Bingham Requiems, the Poulenc Gloria, and many other magnificent works. This year, the concert included the Requiem by John Rutter along with other works.
April 17, 4 p.m. - Pianist Zhong Jidong gives his solo piano debut concert.
Zhong Jidong, at just 16 years of age, is already displaying the poise, musicality and virtuosity of a great performer. Born in Beijing, China, he is currently a sophomore at Takoma Academy and a student of Dr. Daniel Lau at Washington Adventist University. He is the winner of several international competitions, including the Royal International Piano Competition in Morocco. This concert was his solo piano debut and will feature J.S. Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major, Chopin's Polonaise Fantasy and Ballade No. 2, Franz Liszt's monumental Sonata in B Minor and a composition by Chinese composer Yin Cheng-zong titled Moon Over the Winding River.
May 1, 4 p.m. - English Organist Huw Williams
Virtuoso English organist, Hugh Williams presented the closing recital of the concert series. Mr. Williams is currently the organist at the Chapel Royal in London and an internationally recognized organ concert and recording artist. Prior to his current appointment he was organist at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.