Annual organ recital series comes to a close with singers, handbell choirs, brass ensemble concert
Submitted by Dundee Area Lenten Recital Series
On Palm Sunday, April 1, six weeks of ecumenical organ recitals will culminate with a finale choral concert when 75 singers from local churches, two handbell choirs, the Crystal Brass Ensemble and clergy from nine area churches join together in music and prayer to celebrate the sorrow and joy of the Lenten season.
This year, the Palm Sunday Festival will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee.
Organist Phyllis Connelly planted the seed for this annual celebration in 1994, when she presented the first Lenten Organ Recital. That seed has blossomed into a springtime tradition. The event brings to a close a series of eight Lenten organ recitals enjoyed by more than 1,500 people.
Through music and scripture, experience the “Lord’s Entry into His Passion and Death — The Journey to the Cross.” The audience will be invited to sing during two choir selections. In between, they will enjoy the presentation anthems by the choir and musicians, and readings presented by participating clergy.
Musicians and singers are primarily drawn from Dundee Township area churches, including First Congregational Church, First United Methodist, Immanuel Lutheran, St. James Episcopal Church, and St. Catherine of Siena. Two Elgin churches also participate: First Presbyterian and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A number of participants come from other area churches including Bethel Lutheran Church in Palatine, First Congregational Church in Huntley and Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in 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.
The 18th annual Palm Sunday Festival will start at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 1. A prelude of instrumental music will begin at 2:45 p.m.
The Palm Sunday Festival is part of an ongoing Dundee and Elgin Area Lenten Recital Series. For information, call Phyllis Connelly at (847) 515-8743.