Annual 'Summer Sings' Continues at First Congregational Church

From First Congregational Church:

On Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., the popular “Summer Sing” series presents its second sing of the season. “An evening with Gilbert and Sullivan” will be led by Eric Peterson, who has conducted G & S performances at Troupers Light Opera, New York City’s Blue Hill Troupe, and in England at Savoynet Performing Group. Accompanying the evening will be Stamford resident Dorothy Kolinsky.

Started in 2011, First Church has seen a tremendous interest in Summer Sings. Director of Music Dr. Craig Scott Symons saw the need for this type of event in lower Fairfield county.

“‘Summer Sings’ happen all over the country and give folks a chance to keep their voices going during the summer when choirs typically fall silent for a well-deserved break. Sings happen in NYC, Westchester and Southport, but the Greenwich area lacked this exciting program, so First Church has stepped up to fill that void,” said Symons.

Attendance for each event varies, but typically draws between 50-80 singers. The typical format for an event is to gather at 7:30 p.m., get the body and voice warmed up and then rehearse sections of major choral work, take a short break and then “perform” the work for those gathered to sing. Occasionally, folks from the community will watch the evening as an audience member, but it’s about creating community through singing for two hours. Past works have included Poulenc Gloria, Handel Messiah, Requiems by Mozart, Brahms, Rutter, Faure, Durufle, Mendelssohn Elijah and many others.

Symons stated that he was looking for something out of the ordinary for this season.

“When I researched what other organizations had done, Gilbert and Sullivan popped up, and it clicked. I’ve known Eric for a number of years, and his intense passion for G & S operettas, so it was a natural fit for us.”

The final event will bring back the most popular program, “The BEST anthems in the world,” which drew almost 100 singers in 2013. Anthems include “How lovely is thy dwelling place” by Brahms, “Hallelujah” by Beethoven, “Hallelujah” from Messiah by Handel, “The Heavens are Telling” by Haydn, “Lift Thine Eyes” and “He, Watching over Israel” by Mendelssohn, “There Shall a Star from Jacob Shining” by Mendelssohn, “Dona nobis pacem” by Bach, “If ye love me” by Tallis, “Ave Verum” by Mozart, “I was glad” by Parry and “Sicut cervus” by Palestrina.

First Congregational Church is located at 108 Sound Beach Ave. across from Binney Park, and the event will be held in the air-conditioned sanctuary. All who love to sing are welcome, and music will be provided. The church encourages a nominal fee of $10 per singer help to defray costs.

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