St. Matthew United Church of Christ Christmas Cantata
The Christmas Cantata, "Peace Child," composed by Brian Dobbelaere will debut at St. Matthew United Church of Christ on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 9:30am. Flute, violin, cello, organ/synthesizer, piano, and percussion instruments will accompany the Sanctuary Choir. The first Christmas Cantata was performed in 1964 and has become an annual tradition.
"Peace Child" presents the nativity as a historical event and yet speaks to us today through powerful imagery and challenging words to remind us that the true meaning of Christmas is peace. God speaks to us in unexpected ways and calls us to be people of peace including immigrants, refugees, the poor, the homeless, and those with plenty and power. Love and peace must be present in our daily lives and in all that we do.
Brian Dobbelaere, the organist at St. Matthew, began his musical studies with piano lessons, and then mastered both the trombone and the organ. He began formally composing music after a high school music theory class. Brian has degrees in Theory-Composition and Organ from the University of Northern Iowa. His first major orchestral composition was performed by the Des Moines Symphony. Brian was also commissioned by the Kansas State University at Manhattan Brass Ensemble to compose a new work that was later performed at the International Brass Fest at Indiana University.
At Bowling Green State University, Brian received Masters degrees in both Organ and Composition. While at Bowling Green, Brian taught as a graduate assistant and after graduation became adjunct faculty where he was involved with the band arranging curriculum.
Most recently, in May 2017, Brian organized a benefit concert at St. Matthew to raise funds in support of worldwide refugee aid. That program included the world premiere of his work for piano and violin entitled "Promises of Hope."
We invite the community to participate in the Advent tradition of the St. Matthew Christmas Cantata. The cantata is always a time to reflect on the on the meaning of the Christmas season. What better way to reflect on the meaning of Christmas this year than through peace?
St. Matthew United Church of Christ is located at 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton, IL 60189. For any questions, contact the church at (630) 665-1236 or online at www.stmatthewucc.org.