3 internationally recognized vocalists highlight 'Advent Lessons & Carols' program Dec. 3 at St. Thomas Church
John Angotti will join Jeanne Cotter, current artist-in-residence at St. Thomas, and Tony Alonso to combine their talents with that of the St. Thomas Music Makers in an inspiringly prayerful welcome to the season that prepares the way for Christmas. The St. Thomas Music Makers include the various church choirs that include age groups from children through adult singers.
Angotti is an award-winning, internationally-recognized composer and singer familiar to many in the area as a former visiting guest artist at St. Thomas the Apostle who continues to headline local concerts. Among his local appearances, he staged his rock musical, "JOB, the Now Testament," at St. Thomas in September 2015, and headlined the "Advent Lessons & Carols" program at the church last year.
A full-time music missionary who travels worldwide, Angotti provides inspirational music and witness to all ages through concerts, workshops, retreats, missions, conferences and worship. His music delivers a dynamic blend of contemporary styles and meaningful lyrics: Angotti's writing style includes contemporary rock, pop and Latin rhythms while his compositions give new life to traditional pieces from chant and classical genres.
Recognized singer-songwriter and liturgical composer, Cotter also is an author and an entertaining story-teller who was recently named artist-in-residence for a year at St. Thomas the Apostle.
As artist-in-residence, Cotter leads the music at St. Thomas' weekend Masses once a month, sharing her faith with song and story, and will present a variety of concerts and programs at St. Thomas the Apostle through May 2017. Programs include concerts, workshops, the parish Lenten mission, and sharing her faith experience through story-telling.
Calling on her many talents, Cotter has captured the hearts of listeners throughout the United States and Canada for over 20 years. Her bounty of knowledge is grounded in her own story, what Cotter terms "the authority of experience." With numerous recordings and music collections to her name, Cotter's latest projects include the release of two recordings this past year, "The Old Gravel Road: Storytelling and Song From the Heartland" and "Tender Hearted." She also has added the publication of her inspirational children's book "Child of the Moon" to her list of artistic achievements
Alonso, one of the most prominent voices in today's liturgical music, was recognized in 2015 with an invitation to compose the responsorial psalm for the first Mass Pope Francis celebrated in the United States. Alonso also has several published collections of liturgical music to his credit, and his work appears in compilations and hymnals throughout the world.
Noted for music that reflects an understanding of the multicultural needs of the contemporary church as well as a commitment to strong ritual music, Alonso has shared his musical gifts as well as his love and knowledge of liturgy at conferences and events across North America and Europe.
Currently focusing on liturgical and ritual studies in a Ph.D. program in religion at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, Alonso also is the author of several books and articles related to liturgy and liturgical music.
St. Thomas's artist-in-residence program is being sponsored by the generosity of a group of parishioners who recognize music as prayer, and wish to offer the opportunity for such appreciation to the community.
Further information about "Advent Lessons & Carols" is available by contacting Scott Knisley, St. Thomas director of liturgy and music ministries, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 111, or at sknisley@stapostle.org
St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,700 households of more than 11,200 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information please call (630) 355-8980.