November 24 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel
The Hildebrands return to perform music from the War of 1812
Your children will be charmed by the early American music that the Hildebrands will present – in costume with the kind instruments that 19th-century Americans would have heard.
The War of 1812 spawned a huge variety of songs in America. From the early stirrings of party politics under President Adams, the traumatic effect of Jefferson’s Embargo in 1807, through the triumph at Fort McHenry and the last battle in New Orleans, Americans took pen to paper to tear at political opponents, to dramatize the great sea battles between huge frigates in full sail and to laud battle heroes like Hull and Perry. In addition, songs of ridicule, sentimental ballads of love and separation, and songs encouraging enlistments were sung at home, on the streets and in theaters. This program climaxes in the true telling of the birth of the Star-Spangled Banner in September, 1814, dispelling several lingering myths along the way.
David Hildebrand teaches American music history at the Peabody Conservatory, and he is finishing a history of music in Maryland for The Johns Hopkins University Press. He and his wife Ginger Hildebrand have been performing professionally for museums, historical societies, schools, colleges, and universities throughout the country since 1980, focusing on American music. Dr. Hildebrand received his Ph.D. in Musicology from Catholic University of America, his M.A. in Musicology from George Washington University, and his B.A. in Music from Dickinson College.
December 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Rutter’s Magnificat and Rutter’s arrangements of favorite Christmas Carols
John Rutter has reached out to millions of people with his original compositions and his brilliant and imaginative arrangements. It is your turn to reach out. Bring your children and new families to this inspiring concert. What an pleasurable way to introduce our community to River Road Church. Carols to include “Good Christians, Friends, Rejoice”; “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella”; and “O Holy Night.”
Your financial support of our concert series helps the gift of music enrich our church. The concert series brings beauty and depth to Richmond and its suburbs, and it allows our friends and neighbors to get to know us better. Come and enjoy the concerts – lend your financial support – and make our visitors feel welcome to an extraordinary Christian community.