Spring Festival of the Arts Returns to Greenwich

From The First Congregational Church of Greenwich: The First Congregational Church of Greenwich and The Art Society of Old Greenwich join forces to host the 5th Annual Spring Festival of the Arts in the church Meetinghouse and Auditorium during the weekend of May 19-21.

The three-day celebration will be highlighted by a Gala Wine and Cheese Reception and Exhibit, followed by two special musical performances featuring well-known local classical performers. The Festival has grown in scope and appeal since its inception in 2013, with a record number of artists slated to exhibit their work in the church Auditorium this year.

The Festival will kick off with a Gala Wine and Cheese Reception on Friday, May 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Works of local artists will be displayed during the reception, and will remain on exhibit throughout the weekend in the church Auditorium.

On Saturday evening, May 20, at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Craig Scott Symons will conduct The First Church Festival Chorus and Orchestra in its presentation of Parts 2 and 3 of Handel’s Messiah. The performance is in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of First Church’s annual Messiah concert tradition, which began in December 1966. Featured soloists will be Hanna Golodinskii, soprano; Linnea Conley, mezzo soprano; Drew Seigla, tenor; and Thomas Woodman, bass. Admission for the concert will be $25 (free for ages 18 and under) and tickets will be available at the door on the night of the performance.

The Festival will conclude on Sunday, May 21, at 4:00 p.m., when the Meetinghouse will be filled with the sounds of The Birk and Hoke Duo. Eric Birk and Bernadette Hoke will perform organ and piano duets by Widor, Dupré, Ernst, Hesse, and Yon. Admission is $25 (free for ages 18 and under), with tickets available at the door.

Photo 1: Hanna Golodinskii; Photo 2: Linnea Conley; Photo 3: Drew Seigla; Photo 4: Thomas Woodman; and Photo 5: Eric Birk and Bernadette Hoke. Photo credit: Christopher Semmes