Concert Series
Special concerts by outside performers are a part of the Nardin Park Music Program. We offer both a Concert Series at selected times during the fall/winter/spring, and a summer series called Wednesdays at Eight.
Music & Fine Arts Concert Series
During the fall, winter, and spring months, the Music and Fine Arts Committee presents a Concert Series featuring regional and national performers in our sanctuary. Past experience compels that we charge a nominal fee for certain concerts by which we can allocate comfortable seating for those in attendance. Tickets will be available four to five weeks prior to each of these programs, by mail, or from the church office.
Thomas Heywood, Concert Organist
Sunday, October 2, 2011 – 7:00 PM Free
As the first and only Australian musician in history to ever live as a professional concert organist, Thomas Heywood is celebrated as an “acknowledged Master” for his unique ability to make the greatest music of all time come alive on the King of Instruments. He has an ever-growing repertoire of 5,000 pieces, many transcribed by himself. Touring annually around the world, a recent solo tour of “The Wizard from Oz” dazzled audiences and critics alike in Concert Halls, Cathedrals, and Churches throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. An engaging personality, his concerts are not typical “organ literature,” but bring forth an exuberance through the full spectrum of popular tunes, orchestral transcriptions, and refreshing interpretations of classical standards. He has given thousands of recitals since his first celebrated appearance at age 17 in the Sydney Opera House.
Daniel Rodriguez, Tenor, with The Jesse Lynch Trio
Sunday, November 13, 2011 – 7:00 PM $20 ($15 pre-sale 9/15 – 10/9)
To those who have come to love him as the so-called “singing policeman,” the New York City cop who helped bring the country an uplifting spirit of promise and hope with his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” after September 11, 2001, we are honored to present Daniel Rodriguez in his first Metro-Detroit appearance. Now considered “America’s Favorite Tenor,” he has toured extensively, presenting beloved hymns, spirituals, opera, and Broadway favorites to millions of listeners. Jesse Lynch is a New York pianist whose classical and jazz background accompanies and compliments the beauty of Daniel’s vocals. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to hear marvelous talent. Secure your tickets early for this special concert at Nardin Park. More information and pre-sale ticket info is available here.
http://www.danielrodriguezmusic.com/
http://jesselynch.com/
Christmas at Nardin Park with the Mainstreet Brass Quintet
Sunday, December 11, 2011 – 2:00 PM Free
This 34th annual Christmas Concert offers an exciting addition through the appearance of Mainstreet Brass, returning for their second concert at Nardin Park. The quintet has performed for enthusiastic audiences in Pennsylvania, New York, New England, the Midwest, and Great Britain. Based in Eastern Pennsylvania, their Christmas music is especially enhanced through arrangements of Holiday Classics written especially for them by new composers throughout the world. They will join with the 50 voices of the Nardin Park Chancel Choir for ninety minutes of continuous music. As in the past, the audience will join in the singing of favorite Christmas carols. We plan to create a special Holiday event that will highlight and enrich your musical palate for Christmas, 2011.
http://mainstreetbrass.com/wp/
Pauline Martin, Pianist
Sunday, February 12, 2012 – 2:00 PM Free
Pauline Martin’s Washington D.C. recital debut captured the headline Dazzling Debut from Kenneth Townsend of the Washington Post. The Canadian born pianist has earned world-class recognition for her solo and chamber music performances and recordings and has been featured on radio broadcasts in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. A resident of West Bloomfield, she has captivated audiences throughout the Detroit area as a founding member of the St. Clair Trio, along with concerto performances with The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The New American Chamber Orchestra, and the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings. She is currently Artistic Director of the Pro-Mozart Society of Greater Detroit. Her world premieres have earned kudos from numerous classical contemporary composers of great distinction.
http://www.paulinemartin.com/
The Dodworth Saxhorn Band
Sunday, March 18, 2012 – 2:00 PM Free
The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is a recreation of one of America’s first all-brass bands. The original band dominated the New York music scene from 1836 to 1891, performing in concerts, at balls, social events and U.S. Presidential Inaugurations. Today’s band, based in Ann Arbor, uses antique brass valved horns and drums built between 1840 and 1880. The DSB creates fun and excitement through 19th century authenticity. The ensemble of 17 members dresses the part, performs music from that time period, and uses drama, poetry, dance, and audience participation. Vocal soloists join the band on select pieces. Prepare yourself for an elaborate visual and audio experience from one of America’s premiere bands of today. They have been heard on Public Broadcasting stations and perform numerous concerts annually, at Greenfield Village, for parades, and special events.
http://www.dodworth.org/
The Rackham Symphony Choir
Suzanne Mallare Acton, Artistic & Music Director
Sunday, May 6, 2012 – 7:00 PM Free
Since 1949, Rackham Symphony Choir has been a driving force for thousands of listeners throughout Southeastern Michigan. They were associated with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 26 years, performing with numerous distinguished conductors. Under current maestro, Suzanne Acton, the chorus has swept the musical community with innovative concerts that have enlightened audiences of all ages. Their collaboration with other esteemed music organizations have brought further acclaim. Their annual production of “Too Hot To Handel”, a jazz-gospel rendition of the Messiah, is always a sell-out. Plan to experience the stunning 100-voices of the RSC in a program that communicates their artistry through a variety of choral music.
http://www.rackhamchoir.org/
2011 Wednesdays at Eight Summer Music Series
During the summer, Wednesdays at Eight provides Wednesday evening concerts. Starting at 8:00 PM in the air-conditioned comfort of our sanctuary, each one-hour concert is free! Seating opens at 7:15 pm.
June 15 – Measure For Measure – A Men’s Choral Society
From the sonorous tones of the deepest bass to the airy lilt of the highest tenor, the classical and contemporary repertoire for male voices delivers a compelling and engaging performance by this Southeastern Michigan ensemble – celebrating their 22nd season of stirring concerts. http://www.measure4measure.org/
June 22 – Rock of Ages Big Band
Comprised of top rate musicians from throughout Michigan, this 17-piece ensemble features some of the best Big Band classics from the 1930’s and 1940’s. But it doesn’t end there … they also present, with vocals, beloved gospel and spiritual tunes with a twist of swing, along with recent musical classics.
June 29 – Annual Patriotic Concert
Melvin Rookus, Organist, has established this traditional salute, featuring inspiring music from marches to ballads. Honoring the men and women of our Military, past and present, you are invited to dress in red, white, and blue, and be prepared to join with guest musicians in a gala tribute to our American heritage. More about Mel Rookus.
July 6 – Bob Milne, Ragtime Pianist
Bob Milne is considered to be the best ragtime / boogie-woogie pianists in the world. He was filmed and documented for future generations during three days of interviews in 2001 at the Library of Congress and has been declared a “Musical Ambassador” for the United States Department of State through numerous concerts world-wide. http://bobmilne.com/
July 13 – Gentlemen Songsters
An award-winning Barbershop Chorus comprised of Detroit / Oakland County men of all ages, this group returns to Nardin Park for their 6th program of delightful and entertaining music in close harmony. There is always a surprise element, be it a special costume, a select quartet, or the unusual moment that enriches the barbershop tradition. http://www.detroitoakland.org/
July 20 – Little Traverse Youth Choir
The Little Traverse Youth Choir was formed as an outgrowth of the 2009 Children of the World in Harmony Festival. Members of the 30-voice “auditioned” choir come from school districts and home schools throughout the “Tip of the Mitt” area of Michigan. Singing in treble voices, their concerts feature music that is classical and contemporary. http://www.littletraverseyouthchoir.org/
July 27 – An Evening of Broadway
Michael and Kimerica Parr return to present solo and duet repertoire of Broadway musicals. Both sang with the Michigan Opera Theatre for 10 years while embarking on their respective solo careers. Their concerts throughout Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia have been received with raves.
August 3 – Equinox – Celtic Folk Ensemble
Equinox, based in Bay City, is composed of six multi-talented musicians. At the Celtic core of the band are traditional pipes, fiddle, flute, whistles, and concertina. By adding guitars, mandolin, Middle Eastern and West African percussion, the band expands ancient music to new dimensions. Added vocals and dance will delight the soul and spirit. http://www.equinoxtheband.net/
August 10 – An Evening of Beloved Spirituals & Gospels Music
Rev. Robert Jones, a widely respected Detroit musician, along with his wife, Bernice, sings traditional African American Music. Spirituals, blues, work songs, gospel, and field hollers all provide the basis for R&B, bluegrass, rock, and even Hip Hop. Their program communicates a rich and authentic history and tradition that inspires beyond just the music. http://www.revrobertjones.com/