Hancock Choir and Orchestra Celebrate American Hymns
LEXINGTON- From Come Thou Font of Every Blessing to How Can I Keep From Singing, the Chancel Choir and Cantata Orchestra will celebrate the wonderful wealth of Early American hymns in a special service on Sunday, June 12 at 10:00am that is open to all. The service will also feature projected original artwork accompanying the music by artist Meg Stone.
The service will include a variety of early American hymns and hymn texts set by contemporary composers, including Gwyneth Walker, Kevin Siegfried, and Mack Wilberg. “There’s an incredible wealth of song writing in America, starting in the late 18th century,” says Hancock’s Director of Music, Mark Morgan, “it’s an amazing body of melody and harmony that is wholly different from what was going on in Europe at the time. It is the first truly ‘American’ music.”
These old tunes have been re-imagined for chorus and string orchestra, and will be accompanied by original artwork, projected on a video screen, by artist Meg Stone. Each visual piece is reflective of the musical piece, and the combination will add a deeper depth to the experience of each element.
Meg Stone, the artist behind Stones Throw Studios, loves translating her passion for nature and light into her art. With alcohol ink, acrylics and photography, heart centered art takes shape leaning into the worlds of expressionism and abstract art. A member of the church, she can be found singing with the River Rock Band on most Sunday evenings there.
The choir of 25 singers will be accompanied by an orchestral ensemble of 15 professional and amateur musicians as they perform versions of How Can I Keep From Singing?, Bound for the Promised Land, Simple Gifts, and more. The choir, which sings regularly for worship each week, also performs two major works with orchestra each season.
Hancock Church is an open and affirming, immigrant welcoming church in the heart of Lexington, right on the Battle Green. It welcomes all to its services, regardless of other religious affiliation or belief. It is located at 1912 Massachusetts Ave, the phone is 781-862-4220. Handicap parking and listening assist devices are available. More information can be found on the website at www.hancockchurch.org.
