Christ Church Presents “Tea with Mozart”

On Sunday, July 29 at 3 pm, the Music Ministry of Christ Church Easton will present a concert featuring music by celebrated composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart under the direction of music director, Wes Lockfaw.  The public is invited to attend.  The repertoire will feature Vesperae Solennes de Confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor), K. 339 and “Gloria” from the Twelfth Mass.  The choir will be comprised of Christ Church Choir members and friends.  Soloists include Georgiann Gibson (soprano), Katherine Nevius (alto), Robert Branning (tenor), Patrick Mason (tenor), and Randy Bachand (bass).  Several instrumental works featuring strings, flute, and organ will also be performed.

Solemn Vespers, K. 339 was composed in 1780 and would have been intended for the special celebration of a saint who, in this instance, remained unnamed.  Its six movements would have been interspersed with readings and other acts appropriate for a sacred and festive occasion.  While the masterpiece was found to be a restrictive exercise by Mozart due to the nature of his employment with the Bishop of Salzburg, it endures as a monumental part of his journey toward the more secular genres for which he became known.  While the work can largely be characterized as bright and brilliant, its fifth movement, “Laudate Dominum”, contains a lush, introspective quality whose beauty could easily have found its way into any of the composer’s operas.  This quintessential work was the last choral work written written by Mozart for the cathedral in Salzburg.

Following the concert, attendees are invited to a high tea in the parish hall along with the guest of honor!  While there is no charge for the event, a free will offering will be received.  For more information, call 410-822-2677.  Christ Church is located at 111 S. Harrison Street in downtown Easton.