A Sonic Spectacular opens Crescent Concerts’ 34th 2015-16 season of seven exciting and varied music programs all performed in the gothic, cathedral-like splendor of the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. (Above: Allen Artz creates music with the Crescent Choral Society in beautiful Crescent Ave Church)
DIVINE DVORAK
WHEN: Saturday, November 14 at 7:00pm
The Crescent Choral Society returns with “Divine Dvorak,” an all Dvorak concert featuring the beautiful Mass in D and his Te Deum, a large work he composed and conducted for the first time in 1892 in New York City. F. Allen Artz, III, the Artistic Director of Crescent Concerts, will lead this performance of the Choral Society singers, accompanied by organist Brenda Day.
Yuletide by Candlelight
WHEN: Sunday, December 13 at 5:00pm
For the third concert, the Crescent Singers highlight the holiday season with their festive annual concert. “There is No Rose of Such Virtue” is the title of this year’s musical gift, free to the community and surrounding area towns. The Crescent Singers perform familiar and not so familiar Christmas anthems, carols and songs in the candle-lit sanctuary of the church. This beloved concert tradition always delights audiences with musical surprises and helps bring on the spirit of the Christmas season. Allen Artz conducts his very experienced and professional choristers. He also is organist for this performance.
Exceptional Young Artists Showcase
WHEN: Sunday, February 21 at 3:00pm.
Five young artists, 18 and under, will perform in this recital after having been chosen in an earlier competition. In the past the young performers have amazed and excited audiences with their virtuosity and talents.
Festival of Organists
WHEN: Sunday, March 13 at 3:00pm.
Four area professional organists will provide music appropriate to this year’s theme chosen by Artistic Director Allen Artz, “The Thrill of the Chase.” The title is provocative and the fun will be in seeing what the four accomplished organists choose musically to illustrate the theme. This concert also provides the audience with the opportunity to hear the beauty and diversity of the widely acclaimed organ of the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Simply Schubert
WHEN: Saturday, April 9 at 7:00pm
The Crescent Choral Society, joined by a professional orchestra and soloists for an all Schubert concert in early Spring 2016. Allen Artz conducts the large ensemble of musicians in Schubert’s Stabat Mater and the Magnificat.
Love is a Many Splendored Thing
WHEN: Sunday, May 22 at 3:00pm
The final offering of the 2015-16 season, the Crescent Singers present their Spring Concert, an unusual mixture of musical favorites and unexpected gems exploring “love” both sacred and secular. Once again, Artistic Director Allen Artz leads this talented group of singers for the season finale for Crescent Concerts.
ADMISSION: for all concerts (except for the free Yuletide concert): General Admission $20, Seniors $15 and Students $5. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of performance and are also available during business hours at 908-756-2468.
WHERE: Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is located in Plainfield at 716 Watchung Avenue. Ample free parking is available.
For a season subscription and other Crescent Concerts information, please visit crescentconcerts.org.
