Lowell Mason House Concert Celebrates 10th Year

The Lowell Mason Holiday Concert -- one of the first celebratory events created by the non-profit team created to protect the Medfield birthplace of Lowell Mason, father of music education in the U.S. – marks its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at St. Edward the Confessor Church, Medfield, with performances beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale via the Lowell Mason House website for this year’s event featuring prominent speaker Executive Director for the Arts for Boston Public Schools, Tony Beatrice; acclaimed Boston-based youth chorus, “Voices of Renaissance;” and an array of local performers.

Tickets are $25 per person for adults, and $20 per person for seniors and students. A family with multiple attendees can purchase a group ticket for $60.

Local performers participating in this year’s concert include:

• Concert pianist David McGrory;
• Medfield High School Chamber Strings and Jazz Combo;
• First Parish Unitarian Universalist Choir;
• Vocalists Becca and John Kornet, and Eva Kendrick;
• Trills ‘n Chills & Montrose School a cappella groups;
• Eric Bouwman-Wozencraft, Church of the Advent music director; and
• Community “Hallelujah Chorus” led by Jonathan Gray with Tara Gray on piano.

Renowned regionally, nationally and even internationally, “Voices of Renaissance,” now directed by Sasha White, has been entertaining audiences with inspirational performances for 25 years. Founded by Boston Renaissance Charter Public School, the ensemble has performed multiple times at the White House, showcased its talents to a United States Supreme Court Justice, and performed in China. Locally, performances have showcased choir talents in such venues as Boston Symphony Hall, Wang Center for The Performing Arts, Schubert Theater, Massachusetts State House, Fenway Park and TD Garden, among others. Beyond musical performances, Voices of Renaissance also strives to build confidence and character of its youth participants through mentoring efforts.

As Executive Director for the Arts, featured speaker Tony Beatrice has kept the legacy of Lowell Mason alive with his work in Boston Public Schools, where Lowell Mason made his mark on music education. Beatrice received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education from University of Massachusetts Lowell. He previously taught grade K-12 music for Lowell Public Schools and Pentucket Regional School District. He serves on Massachusetts Arts for All Coalition and Massachusetts Music Educators Association Innovations Council. Beyond music education, Beatrice has served as director of Merrimack Valley Concert Band, an ensemble he first joined in 7th grade.

Born in Medfield in 1792, Mason served as music superintendent in the Boston Public Schools from 1838 to 1841, and was the first to introduce music to its curriculum setting the stage for public schools across the country to do the same. In addition to his role in music education, Mason was a music director, and a composer who wrote a number of well-known songs, including the holiday classic, "Joy to the World.”

The house where he was born and lived was saved from demolition and moved in 2011 to its current Green Street location adjacent to Hinkley Pond. Each year, proceeds from the holiday concert bring the Lowell Mason House renovation and construction efforts closer to completion for the ultimate benefit of music educators, students, and the community at large.