Church of the Redeemer Concert Series

An integral part of the music program at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is the Music in the Chapel Series now in its fifth season. As Loretta Graner, director of music, explains, “We are happy to offer solo recitals and chamber concerts mostly by local musicians with national or international acclaim and to support the arts as a part of our outreach to the community. Each professionally and artistically crafted program has been enthusiastically received by our audiences. In the past, notable performances have been given by members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Beijing Opera (on Chinese instruments), Conundrum, the Garin Webb (Jazz) Quintet, Adastra (A Period Instrument Duo), and Billy Sauerland (countertenor formerly with Chanticleer).”

Upcoming concerts to complete the 2012-2013 season are Rodney Stucky, lute, and Mary Stucky, soprano, performing music from the time of Louis XIII and Louis XII on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in Redeemer’s chapel. Members of the faculty of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, they explore the solo lute, baroque guitar and song repertoire from the flowering of French music that influenced much of Europe.

Rodney has been head of guitar for the CCM Preparatory Program and co-director of the Early Music Lab, joining UC in 1992. In addition, he has performed as a classical guitarist, baroque guitarist and lutanist. With his wife Mary, he has a repertoire spanning the gamut from the 16^th century to the 20^th century. Mary has been on the faculty at UC since 1990 and chair of the Voice Department for the past seven years. With an educational background of a B.M. and M.M. from Eastman School of Music, she has sung operatic roles, recorded songs and performed internationally as well as nationally.

The last concert will be on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. with Heidi Brende Leathwood, piano. Denver-based Heidi will play World Studies: Etudes for Piano. From many times and places, this music dazzles not only in brilliance, but also in beauty, power, color and even humor. As background, Heidi has performed chamber music with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to having two CDs, she regularly performs in concertos and solo recitals. Instructor in the Alexander Technique at the University of Denver, she received her B.M. from Oberlin Conservatory and her M.M. and D.M.A. from the University of Southern California.

Previously, Kathryn Zajac, soprano, performed on September 30, 2012. Operatic soprano and Redeemer choir member, she presented arias, favorite art songs by Mozart, including Exultate Jubilate and Five Green Folk Songs by Ravel. Following that concert was one given by the newly formed Hannaford Emsemble, composed of members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They performed the Beethoven Septet and other works for strings and winds including Libertango arranged by ensemble member Denisse Rodriguez.

Music in the Chapel presents four Sunday afternoon performances per season. Concerts are one hour long without intermission and are free and open to the public. Next season’s series will be announced on Redeemer’s Web site, www.redeemer-cincy.org. The Church of the Redeemer is a member of the Episcopal Music Trail, a consortium of Cincinnati-area Episcopal Churches. Please visit episcopalmusictrail.wordpress.org for more information.