The WUMC Performing Arts Series was formed in 2001 as an extension ministry of Westlake United Methodist Church with a mission to bring outstanding performances to the Westlake community. Since its inception, the WUMC Performing Arts Series has played host to professional musicians, fine collegiate ensembles, children's choirs, and Westlake United Methodist Church's own outstanding ensembles. All events, unless indicated, are held in the beautiful sanctuary of Westlake United Methodist Church, consistently praised by performers for its outstanding acoustic environment.

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Sunday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.

David Wilcox ($10 donation requested)

On stage alone, armed with a single guitar, David Wilcox weaves a rich tapestry in every concert. He's a tremendously talented singer and inventive guitarist, utilizing numerous alternative tunings and cut capos. In addition to his musical skills, he's an expert storyteller. Performances feature his beautifully crafted songs offset by wonderful stories and wry observations on the world. His shows are a journey through the full range and richness of life. While there's plenty of weight to the topics covered in his lyrics, David's wit is never far away as well. His songs are an invitation to ask for more - more from your music, more from your relationships, more from your life. They are intended to be the soundtrack for a life well lived. To learn more and hear some of David's music, visit www.davidwilcox.com.

Saturday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.

Musica!
Dr. Robert Jones, conductor

The chronological, geographical, and vocational makeup of MUSICA! is as multifaceted as its repertoire. Ranging in age from twenty-two to fifty-seven, and with two/thirds of the group over thirty, time is truly moving these singers toward musical perfection. Hailing from all over the Miami Valley and as far away as Indianapolis, they are drawn together by a passion for choral music of every description, and as much of it as they can produce with artistic excellence. MUSICA! can be found anywhere there is an invitation to sing, offering fine choral music in a relaxed format where the audience feels invited to enjoy a gift of music among friends. For more information, visit www.musicadayton.org.

Sunday, December 7, 10:30 a.m.

Bach Magnificat
WUMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra; Andy Call, conductor

One of Bach's most joyous and majestic works, the Magnificat draws its text from Luke's Gospel account of Mary's song of praise. The choir and soloists are accompanied by a chamber orchestra including flutes, oboes, bassoon, trumpets, timpani, organ, and strings. The elegance of Baroque aria and the fire of Baroque fugue come together to provide this text about praise and social justice new and deeper meaning for the listener.

Sunday, January 25, 7:00 p.m.

Olmsted Falls High School Chorale; Judy Crandall, director
WUMC Chancel Choir

WUMC's own Kevin Foster is featured in this concert of his original compositions for choir. Kevin's music has been hailed by local choirs as expressive, genuine, and exciting, engaging both the performer and the audience with sensitive settings of well-chosen texts. While Kevin has presented recitals of his work as a performer on our series, we are proud to include his outstanding compositions and welcome him to the podium in this featured concert.

Sunday, February 8, 4:00 p.m.

  WUMC Musicians' Valentine Concert

Let songs of love surround you as you spend the day with the one you love. As always, the tremendously talented musicians of WUMC present love songs from Broadway, popular charts, and standard classics to put you in the mood. in this, the eighth annual Valentine Concert. Come enjoy the day with your love and with us!

Saturday, March 7, 7:00 p.m.

Maurice Duruflé Requiem
WUMC Chancel Choir and Cuyahoga Falls First UMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra, Andy Call, conductor

Perhaps the most elegant Requiem ever written, Duruflé's setting utilizes lush orchestration of rich harmonies. Duruflé, a prolific organist, had only fourteen works published during his lifetime . due partly to his constant revisions of his compositional efforts. He was heavily influenced by Gregorian chants, which play a prominent role in the Requiem. He, like Fauré before him, chose to emphasize the more serene portions of the text, still utilizing but downplaying the ominous .Dies irae. sections emphasized by so many composers of the Classic and Romantic periods.

Sunday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.

WUMC Handbell Ensembles
Ardith McCloy and Leslie Bauer, directors

Presenting as always an outstanding and entertaining concert of familiar hymn settings, newly composed works, and popular ballads are the handbell artists of WUMC. This concert is a wonderful evening to enjoy the culmination of a year of artistry by the very talented and dedicated ringers of the church.

Friday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.

The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club

Dr. Robert J. Ward, conductor

The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club has been sharing music with the OSU campus, community and around the world since 1875.They are active throughout the year with fall tailgating before football games, multiple concerts on and off campus and frequent trips both within the US and abroad. Their name is synonymous with outstanding male choirs, and they remain one of the most iconic representations of Ohio State spirit.

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