Embedded Files
Music at UPC
Music at UPC
Music is an important part of our coming together at United Presbyterian Church. We are excited to make music with every resource that we have, and to use a variety of styles — not all at once, but intermingled. What emerges is a vibrant worship service with music that includes everyone who wishes to participate.
So far this year, the UPC Music team has sung a wide variety of musical styles to enhance Sunday morning worship. Our section leader team has offered up solos, quartets, and quintets.
The United Ringers handbell choir most recently played “Peals of Joy,” which was beautifully executed and lifted our spirits. The UPC Vocal Choir has sung music ranging from Broadway Musicals (“Seasons of Love” from RENT) to Latvian folk tunes (“By the Babylonian Waters”), and has enjoyed special guest instrumentalists. Margaret Davis joined us twice in January with her violin, and on Transfiguration Sunday, we were treated to folk music led by Phil Westcott on guitar.
The centerpiece of this service was an arrangement Phil made of “Transfiguration” by Sufjan Stevens. Phil and Judy Westcott sang the lead vocal parts and were joined by the UPC choir as well as Sara Lieberman (trumpet), Justin Miller (euphonium), Riya Bolander (tuba), Arianna Windsong (flute), and Austin Shadduck (malleted handbells). We are always excited to welcome new members, and if you’ve been thinking about joining us, we would love for you to make a joyful noise with us!
UPC’s vocal choir rehearses Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30pm in the Music Room. The vocal choir provides music for worship most every Sunday. We welcome new members at any time, and we would love to have your participation. It would be good to have you with us!
United Ringers handbell choir rehearses Sundays, 11:30am–12:30pm in the Sanctuary. Our handbell choir plays 2–4 octaves of Malmark handbells and handchimes, providing music for worship about once a month. If you’re interested in learning how to play handbells, please inquire. New members are always welcome! No previous experience needed. No auditions to start. If you can count to 4, you can learn to play!
We also invite instrumentalists and vocalists who’d like to share their gifts to talk with any of our music leaders about providing special music for worship — you can call the church office, email music@upcbgm.org, or speak with them in person after worship.
Upcoming Community Performances
Upcoming Community Performances
Women’s History Month Concert
Saturday, March 23, 4pm at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main St, Binghamton
Women’s History Month Concert
Saturday, March 23, 4pm at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main St, Binghamton
In recognition of Women’s History Month, Hakan Tayga (cello) and Pej Reitz (piano) will offer a concert honoring women composers. The program will feature compositions by Maria Theresia von Paradis (1759-1824), Florence Price (1887-1953), Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979), Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (1939- ), Margaret Bonds (1913-1972), Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (1867-1944), and Mélanie Hélène “Mel” Bonis (1858–1937). The concert is made possible by grants from American Federation of Musicians and the Recording Industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund.
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday
The Binghamton Philharmonic presents “Roman Holiday”
Saturday, April 6, 7:30pm at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton
The Binghamton Philharmonic presents “Roman Holiday”
Saturday, April 6, 7:30pm at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton
Daniel Hege, conductor
Roberto Sierra: Fandangos
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien
Ottorino Respighi: Pines of Rome
Kids 17 and under get in for free, courtesy of M&T Bank, BPO’s Symphonic Series Sponsor. Call the Box Office to request free kids’ tickets: 607-723-3931.
Pre-Concert Chat, 2pm, Recital Hall: Julia Grella O’Connell, D.M.A. (Binghamton Philharmonic Director of Education and Community Engagement)
For more information, visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org or email info@binghamtonphilharmonic.org
Box office: 607-723-3931 ext. 1, Monday – Friday, 10am–4pm
The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton and STAR present “America Speaks”
Sunday, April 14, 4pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1 Aquinas Way, Binghamton
The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton and STAR present “America Speaks”
Sunday, April 14, 4pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1 Aquinas Way, Binghamton
This concert celebrates both American words and music as the Madrigal Choir joins with Southern Tier Actors Read (STAR) to share readings and musical settings of some of America’s favorite poetry, including works by Robert Frost, Sara Teasdale, Randall Thompson, and others. STAR began in 2010 under the leadership of actors Judy McMahon and Heidi Weeks when they started a “Readers Theater” that met monthly to read classic and modern plays. If it was agreed that a particular play should be produced for the public at various venues around the area, they staged them. Since then almost 80 plays have been read, from “Little Foxes” to “These Shining Lights.” The emphasis is on the words and the story, rather than sets, lighting, and costumes. STAR Directors Judy McMahon and Chris Nickerson are looking forward to collaborating with the Madrigal Choir for this special event!
Tickets at madrigalchoir.com or available at the door: Adults $20, students free.
The American Guild of Organists presents “Concert for the Future”
Friday, April 19, 7pm at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main St, Binghamton
The American Guild of Organists presents “Concert for the Future”
Friday, April 19, 7pm at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main St, Binghamton
This “Concert for the Future” was developed by the artist, Randy Steere, to reflect his vision for the future of the organ and organ music that will attract and keep a growing audience. It will form the basis for a discussion on this important topic being held at the church the next morning at 10am.
The concert itself comprises a very diverse set of more contemporary composers to appeal both to a wider audience not familiar with organ music as well as the organ aficionado. New arrangements of “Amazing Grace” and “Kum Ba Yah” will be performed alongside meditative pieces from around the world, a rousing Toccata and even a fresh Wedding March! Just over an hour long, it will be an exciting concert to engage the audience on many levels!
Discussion/Workshop, Saturday, April 20, 10am: The presentation on Saturday morning “Paths to a Successful Future” will feature Randy’s articulation of his vision for the future of the organ, as well as reaction and input from all in attendance. All are encouraged to attend (especially if you are NOT an organist or a member of the AGO!). Your input will be very valuable as Randy facilitates a discussion pertinent to all area churches and music lovers.
The Tri-Cities Opera presents “The Barber of Seville”
Sunday, April 21, 3pm at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton
The Tri-Cities Opera presents “The Barber of Seville”
Sunday, April 21, 3pm at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton
Join the TCO for “one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music”, The Barber of Seville! Described as the “opera buffa of all opere buffe”, this ever-popular work is the prequel to The Marriage of Figaro. We once again join Figaro, Count Almaviva, and Dr. Bartolo as they scheme their way to love… and it all starts with Rosina!
For more information, visit tricitiesopera.com/barber or email tickets@tricitiesopera.org
Box office: 607-772-0400, Monday – Friday, 12pm–5pm
Southern Tier Singers’ Collective and the Binghamton University Choirs and Symphony Orchestra present “Carmina Burana”
Sunday, April 28, 3–4:30pm at the Anderson Center Ousterhout Concert Theater, Binghamton University
Southern Tier Singers’ Collective and the Binghamton University Choirs and Symphony Orchestra present “Carmina Burana”
Sunday, April 28, 3–4:30pm at the Anderson Center Ousterhout Concert Theater, Binghamton University
STSC joins forces with the Binghamton University Choirs and Symphony Orchestra in a choral ensemble of over 100 voices for Carl Orff’s epic meditation on springtime, love, and fate.
For tickets, visit binghamton.edu/anderson-center/box-office.html
Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Other Worlds: Superheros, Fantasy, & Sci-Fi”
Saturday, May 4, 7:30pm at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton
Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Other Worlds: Superheros, Fantasy, & Sci-Fi”
Saturday, May 4, 7:30pm at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St., Binghamton
Daniel Hege, conductor
Williams: Superman March
Gregson-Williams: Music from Wonder Woman
Göransson: Black Panther
Djawadi: Game of Thrones Suite
Shore: Fellowship Theme from Lord of the Rings
Horner: Avatar Suite
Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Horner: Apollo 13
Goldsmith/Simeone: Theme from Star Trek
Williams/Lowden: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Williams/Ployhar: Theme from E.T.
Williams: Title Theme from Star Wars
Kids 17 and under get in for free, courtesy of Visions Federal Credit Union, BPO’s Pops Series Sponsor. Call the Box Office to request free kids’ tickets: 607-723-3931.
For more information, visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org or email info@binghamtonphilharmonic.org
Box office: 607-723-3931 ext. 1, Monday – Friday, 10am–4pm
Southern Tier Singers’ Collective presents “Memories from the Mediterranean”
Sunday, May 5, 3–4:30pm at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 147 Main St., Johnson City
Southern Tier Singers’ Collective presents “Memories from the Mediterranean”
Sunday, May 5, 3–4:30pm at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 147 Main St., Johnson City
Musical reminiscences and reflections from Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and the Levant culminate in a world premiere by Palestinian-Jordanian-Canadian composer Shireen Abu-Khader.
For more information, visit southerntiersingers.org
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