THE CHURCH SPONSORS A YEAR-ROUND MUSIC SERIES
The Church is widely known for its excellent accoustics. This allows the Church to schedule a series of musical events throughout the year. Their proceeds are being directed mainly towards the organ maintenance fund.
The VanderKay Music Series
The VanderKay Music Series features a year-round array of world-class talent from the United States and abroad. In the past, the music series has included perfmances by The Vienna Piano Trio; Trinity College Choir, Cambridge, England; classical guitarist, David Leisner; countertenor, Daniel Taylor; Bowdoin College Choir; pianist and composer Paul Sullivan;and the folk group Schoonerfare among others. June 2007, the Downeast Singers gave a thrilling performance of Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass, with orchestra.
Organ Concerts
Our music director and organist, Dr. Gerald Wheeler regularly invites organists and ensembles to play with him and accompany him on ourRyder Organ.
VANDERKAY SUMMER MUSIC SERIES 2009
The fith season of The Vanderkay Summer Music Series at the Blue Hill Congregational Church, called The Voices of Summer will be held between May 30th and September 1st.
The following are the events scheduled as part of The Vanderkay Summer Music Series:
The Downeast Singers
Saturday May 30
The Down East Singers, midcoast Maine's acclaimed community chorus directed by Dr. Anthony Antolini, will perform Schubert’s Mass in G for chorus, soloists, orchestra and organ. Also on the program will be works by Tchaikovsky, Kastalsky, Rachmaninoff, Hogan and Billings.
Ave Maris Stella
Saturday June 27
is a twenty-member a cappella vocal ensemble that specializes in early music, but also performs works by contemporary composers. The concert, “Saints & Sinners,” will include compositions by Palestrina, Josquin, Gesualdo, Vaughan Williams, and Barber, among others.
ROCK MY SOUL GOSPEL CHOIR
Saturday July 18
Hear authentic gospel tunes sung by Rock My Soul. The Portsmouth-based 20-member choir celebrates the rich tradition of American gospel music, for its own sake, not for religious reasons. The group and five-piece band will perform music from all gospel traditions.
GORDON BOK
Saturday August 1
Gordon Bok, the poet laureate of those who go down to the sea in ships—singing of drunken fisherman, the last dreams of the drowning, and the gentle sound of neighbors helping neighbors.
THE YALE WHIFFENPOOFS
Saturday August 15
The Yale Whiffenpoofs - America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, celebrating 100 years, comes to Blue Hill direct from a European and mid east tour. “We are poor little sheep who have lost our way—baa! baa! baa!”
SUZANNE NANCE, soprano with MATTHEW GANONG, piano
Saturday August 29
Suzanne Nance, soprano, and The Voice of Maine Public Broadcasting classical music and Matthew Ganong, pianist will perform a concert titled "Bohemian Summer Night" featuring Spanish songs and Dvorak's Gypsy songs.
Vanderkay Concert Series Flyer
For information you may call 374-2891. Concert goers are advised to arrive early as there are no reserved seats. Admission is $15 at the door.
