Elgin's First Congregational Church continues spring concert series

The fourth week of First Congregational's Spring Music Series will feature James Russell Brown, chair of the organ and harpsichord program at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

The "Celebration of Music," which began March 6, continues on Sundays through April 10 at the church, 256 E. Chicago St. in downtown Elgin.

At 4 p.m. March 27, Brown will perform works by 17th-century composer Danish-German composer Nicolaus Bruhns, Romantic composer Cesar Franck, contemporary Swiss composer Guy Bovet, contemporary Dutch composer Ad Wammes, 20th-century French composer Jeanne Demessieux, and 20th-century French composer Maurice Durufle.

Admission is free, but donations to the church's music program are gratefully accepted.

A different musician or musical group is performing a concert each Sunday afternoon or evening throughout the season of Lent.

The series began with the church music director and organist Jeffrey Neufeld performing works by Francois Couperin, John Stanley, J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Maurice Durufle. It was followed on March 13 by the Chris Rollins Jazz Quartet, featuring the Rev. Jesse Tanner on bass, and on March 20 by the Apas Piano Trio performing works by early 19th-century Austrian composer Franz Schubert and 19th-century Czech composer Bedrich Smetana.

On April 3, the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble will perform music for organ and brass at 7 p.m.

The series will wrap up on April 10 with the Fox Valley Harmonizers and Friends performing a selection of barbershop music at 4 p.m.

Celebrate the rich tradition of musical arts at First Congregational Church.

For information, call (847) 741-4045 or visit fcc-elgin.org.

Follow www.facebook.com/fccelgin.