Organ concert by Nathaniel Gumbs set Oct. 17
The St. Cecilia Music Guild at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes will return to its schedule of live concerts this season, beginning with an organ concert by Nathaniel Gumbs, director of chapel music at Yale University, at 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 17.
A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Gumbs has performed at many venues throughout the United States and Europe. In 2017, The Diapason magazine recognized him as one of 20 outstanding organists under 30 years old for his achievements in organ performance and church music.
For the past five years, the St. Cecilia Guild has offered Sussex County residents a broad spectrum of musical programming including classical, gospel, jazz and contemporary works by musicians and composers.
“This year, our programs will highlight the wonders of the organ, the stylistic interpretations of a Baroque ensemble, a children’s chorus, and a world-renowned jazz pianist composer and her trio,” said Lois Powell, a member of the guild’s standing committee. “The guild is dedicated to offering programs that are inclusive, supportive and educational. Because we believe that these should be accessible to all in our community, there is no charge to attend.”
Recent major renovations to St. Peter’s Church included the installation of a high-definition broadcast system, so many of this season’s events will be broadcast live and remain available for later viewing.
For program availability, go to the church’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Currently, masks are required for attendance at all services and live performances.
To conclude the 2021 presentations, four musicians from the Serafins, a group of nationally acclaimed performing artists praised for their energetic, collaborative chamber music performances, will give a concert at St. Peter’s at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12. The church’s annual Advent Lessons and Carols service will be at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5.
In 2022, the schedule will include concerts by countertenor Augustine “Gus” Mercante and friends at 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 2; The Choir School of Delaware at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20; the Dr. Valerie Capers Jazz Quartet at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 27; Katie and Maggie Burk, St. Peter’s Anglican Musicians in Residence, at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 22; and the Lewes Chamber Players with special guests at 7 p.m., Friday, June 3.
