'Sharing Our Gifts' Mission concert

An exceptional opportunity to hear world-class string musicians is happening Sunday, March 7. At 3 p.m. the celebrated Classic Arts Trio will be joined by two esteemed members of the Pro Arte Quartet to perform a benefit concert at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (corner of Route 59). The program will consist of an exciting piano trio by Armenian composer Arno Babadjanyan, the beloved "American String Quartet" by Antonin Dvorak, and the lovely Schumann piano quintet in E-flat major. It promises to be an afternoon of brilliant musicianship.

As the first of the church's three "Sharing Our Gifts" 2010 Mission Concerts, all proceeds from the March 7 concert will go to the Joyful Hands Partnership of Habitat for Humanity, Fox River Valley. Joyful Hands is a consortium of 10 Barrington area churches that build and rehab homes, with volunteer and new homeowner labor, within School District 220 boundaries. Additional mission concerts feature the "M & M" Gospel Choir at 7 p.m. April 17 and a Flute and Guitar Concert 7 p.m. Sept. 18.

"We hope you will allow our musicians to share their gifts with you, and let your gifts multiply as 'loaves and fishes' in our community and the world," said missions committee chairwoman Sharon Orr.

The Classic Arts Trio, consisting of Lyric Opera cellist Walter Preucil, his wife, accomplished violinist and award winning studio teacher Stephanie Preucil and noted Northern Illinois University piano professor William Koehler, has given mission concerts for over 17 years. Koehler has played at Carnegie Hall to rave reviews, and the Preucils have performed throughout Europe and the United States. Celebrated violinist David Perry and violist Sally Chisolm perform with Classic Arts Trio annually at the Midsummers Music Festival in Door County, Wis.

"The purpose of the benefit concert is to share in the joy of music for the glory of God," said Stephanie Preucil.

Desserts will be served and tickets will be available at the door for $25 for adults, $6 for children, or a love offering. For advance tickets to all three benefit concerts, at $45, please mail a check payable to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

For information, call (847) 382-5410, or visit BarringtonUMC.com.

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