Westlake United Methodist Church - Performing Arts Series 2009

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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Heritage Brass Quintet

Sunday, October 11 · 7:00 p.m.

The Heritage Brass Quintet has been thrilling audiences since the early 80's with its mix of acclaimed musicality and entertaining style. Heritage Brass features an exhilarating sound experience, powerful yet elegant, with diverse and dynamic musical styles. A Heritage Brass performance is more than a concert, it's an event. From Renaissance masterpieces to new works, every concert is a feast for the heart, mind, and soul. The ensemble's success is directly linked to our universal appeal. The classical and popular music fan, as well as people of all ages, find inspiration in the unique sounds and styles of the Heritage Brass Quintet. For more information, visit www.heritagebrassquintet.com.

Ned Crisp & Bottomline

Saturday, November 14 · 7:30 p.m.

From the hills of eastern Kentucky and carrying on the tradition of the birthplace and history of bluegrass music, this high-energy band offers traditional and contemporary sounds of bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. Their style is unique and fresh and features tight four-part harmony that complements their lightning fast instrumentation and gives their quartet versatility. Bottomline has been featured at venues such as Universities, State Parks, Churches, Concert Halls and Festivals. Their music is played all over the world and they have been featured artist on Australia's popular show "Music from Foggy Hollow". Bottomline was chosen as a top 50 artist on the Americana Crossroads survey. They are known as singer / songwriters and have released their music both nationally and worldwide. Solid rhythm and silky smooth lead work puts the final touches on the sound that makes Bottomline a favorite among those that hear them. You can feel the energy when Bottomline takes the stage with a show that you will want to see again. They are considered to be one of the hottest upcoming entertainers in the industry. Visit their fan page at http://www.ourstage.com/fanclub/nedcrispbottomline.

Advent Lessons and Carols

WUMC Chancel Choir; Andy Call, conductor

Sunday, December 13 · 10:30 a.m.

The tradition of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve dates to the late nineteenth century, pairing the traditional Gospel account of the birth of Christ with carols appropriate to each verse. This service is based on that tradition with a focus on prophecy and the anticipated coming of Christ. Come and experience the mystery of the incarnation with beautiful music in this service of worship.

Prairie Orchid

Family Concert!

Sunday, January 10 · 4:00 p.m.

Sarah Goslee Reed and Lisa Biales grew up playing and listening to very different kinds of music, and each of them discovered a desire to sing and express herself through the kind of personal song that comes from within. After meeting in 1991, the two formed Prairie Orchid. In the many years since then, they have entertained thousands with their musical tales of childhood, parenthood, love, and change. Whether entertaining children in a school auditorium or adults and families in an intimate concert setting, their music will fit the occasion. With distinct abilities and creative strengths, the duo will sing a cowboy song, reminisce with the audience about a favorite childhood book, demonstrate hand motions, and teach everyone how to say (and sing!) hello and goodbye in several foreign languages. The harmony of their voices, and the chorus of their instruments (guitars, banjo, dobro, violin, and accordion) is an uplifting experience. To learn more, visit www.sarahandlisa.com.

Valentine Concert

Performed by WUMC soloists and ensembles

Sunday, February 14 · 4:00 p.m.

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!

Fred Relaix Photography, Paris | www.fredrelaix.com

Maurice Duruflé Requiem

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

Saturday, March 6 · 7:00 p.m.

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.

WUMC Chamber Ensemble

Sunday, April 25 · 7:00 p.m.

Winners of the 2009 Jubilation! Choral Festival, the Chamber Ensemble of Westlake United Methodist Church presents a featured concert on our Performing Arts Series. With music ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to modern tight harmonies, this select ensemble of singers presents music that challenges the ear and inspires the heart. Come and enjoy the choir named "Best Church Choir in Northeast Ohio."

WUMC Handbell Ensembles

Ardith McCloy and Leslie Bauer, directors

Sunday, May 16 . 7:00 p.m.

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.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.