Lenten recitals come to a close

The 17th annual Palm Sunday Festival is the final presentation in the Dundee & Elgin Area Lenten Recital Series.

The program includes the talents of 85 singers from 14 churches, two handbell choirs, the Robert Hanson String Quartet from the Elgin Youth Symphony, the Crystal Brass Ensemble and clergy from eight area churches.

Through music and scripture, experience the “Lord’s entry into His Passion and Death — The Journey to the Cross.” Organist Phyllis Connelly began the first Lenten organ recital in 1994.

The program will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 845 W. Main St. (Route 72) in West Dundee. A prelude of instrumental music will begin at 2:45 p.m.

Musicians and singers are primarily drawn from Dundee churches, including Bethlehem Lutheran, First Congregational Church, First United Methodist, Immanuel Lutheran, St. James Episcopal Church and St. Catherine of Siena.

Two Elgin churches also participate, including First Presbyterian and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A number of participants come from other area churches, including Bethel Lutheran Church in Palatine and First Congregational Church, Huntley.

Admission to the Palm Sunday afternoon hourlong concert and prayer service is free. An offering will be accepted to defray expenses and provide support for future interfaith music events.