Winter Fine Art Series
Friends of the Pipes at Great Island announces 2015 artists
The Friends of the Pipes at Great Island Presbyterian Church announces its 2015 Winter Fine Arts Series featuring talented musicians presenting concerts from January through March. This group is dedicated to securing adequate funds to reconnect the historic pipe organ for use in the worship service and other events. All concerts will take place in the sanctuary of Great Island Presbyterian Church, 12 West Water Street, Lock Haven. Season tickets are available now at the church office.
“This year we are offering ‘strings and singers’”, said Christina Frank, concert organizer. “Our season is somewhat unusual since I typically attempt to arrange for a performer from the string section, a woodwind or brass artist, a vocalist, and a piano or organ soloist. It just so happened that two string players, a vocalist and a vocal ensemble volunteered to help us this year.”
Dr. Hyeri Choi, violin and Jina Jang, piano
The series begins on January 25th at 1:30 pm with a performance by Dr. Hyeri Choi, accompanied by Jina Jang. Born in Busan, Korea, Hyeri Choi holds her doctorate degree in Violin Performance and Literature from Eastman School of Music. Dr. Choi is a passionate solo, chamber, and orchestra musician. As a soloist, she made her New York debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as the First Prize Winner of 2014 American Protégé International String and Piano Competition. Dr. Choi has been actively serving as an Assistant Concertmaster of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) in Elmira, NY. She is currently on the faculty at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, and NY String Academy in Fort Lee, NJ. Dr. Choi’s program will include works by Mozart, Franck and Ysaye.
Amanda Silliker, dramatic mezzo-soprano and Svetlana Rodionova, piano
The second concert is slated for February 8th at 1:30 pm. Amanda Silliker, a resident of Bellefonte who studied at Penn State University, is regularly in demand as an oratorio vocalist and has perfomed regionally with the Penn State University Philharmonic, the Nittany Valley Symphony, the Williamsport Chamber Orchestra, and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. She is passionate about opera and is equally at home with musical theater. Dr. Svetlana Rodionova, her pianist, earned her doctorate from Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in Russia. The duo have performed together extensively.
“I heard Amanda a few years ago when she performed in Williamsport”, remarked Christina Frank. “I was delighted when she consented to perform in our series.” Silliker, described as “brilliant and captivating”, will fill the hall with her “voluptuous voice”. Expect to be thoroughly entertained!
Jon Moody, cello
Cellist Jon Moody is an aspiring performer with an ear for the music of Bach and a deep love of chamber music. A native of Maine, he started learning the violin at age three and switched to the cello at the age of nine. Growing up surrounded by a variety of teaching styles has given Jon an appreciation for many different musical genres, such as jazz, rock, and pop, and has created avenues to explore his playing through these genres. He feels, however, that his roots will always be in classical music. He is currently studying under Professor Andrew Rammon at Susquehanna University who recommended him as a fine addition to this recital series. Mr. Moody will share his talents to benefits the Friends of the Pipes on Sunday, February 22nd at 1:30. He will be performing works by J.S. Bach.
Achording To Dad, barbershop quartet
The final concert of the 2015 fine arts series features Achording To Dad. Father, Ken and his three sons Brian, Adam and Jeff Paulhamus comprise the barbershop quartet. Although a group of this type is a departure from the typical genres visited in prior years, rest assured that this well-rehearsed group will be a delight. In 2013, the group placed second in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Mid-Atlantic District Western Division competition. Later that year, they received international recognition when they had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the US Championship game of the Little League World Series. “Achording To Dad” has great fun singing together with a unique humor that only a father and his three sons can share. Expect tight harmonies, vocal acuity and an afternoon of fun! Preview their talent on YouTube then hear them live on March 1 at 2:00 pm at Great Island Presbyterian Church.
Those interested in attending the concerts may purchase tickets for the complete series for $48.00. Individual tickets may be purchased for $15.00 per concert, $5.00 for students. Mail requests to: Friends of the Pipes at Great Island, P.O. Box 434, Lock Haven,PA 17745. Season tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
