A benefit concert by the Paul Winter Consort will be held at the Latchis Theatre in Brattleboro, Vermont, on October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
The performance, a fundraiser for the Guilford Community Church’s green-up efforts, will highlight soloists Paul Winter, Eugene Friesen, and Theresa Thomason, three Grammy Award-winning and internationally recognized performers, in addition to Todd Roach on percussion and Jeff Holmes on piano. The Greater Brattleboro Choir of the Community, under the direction of Peter Amidon, will join the Consort on stage to perform several songs, including ones made famous by folksinger Pete Seeger.
Soprano saxophonist Paul Winter is one of the pioneers of world music, combining elements of African, Asian, Latin, and Russian music with American jazz. Winter was one of the first to incorporate the sounds of nature and wildlife into his acoustical compositions, including the complex and poignant vocalizations of the humpback whale, wolves and birds.
Cellist Eugene Friesen is active internationally as a concert artist, composer, conductor and teacher. A graduate of Yale School of Music, he has been featured on recordings and in concerts utilizing his love for improvisation and rhythm in contemporary, jazz, and world fiddle styles.
Special Guest to the Consort, American Gospel music singer Theresa Thomason, has enthralled audiences in over 150 European cities, in addition to performing live at the United Nations for the Dalai Lama. She is a featured artist with the Paul Winter Consort at the annual Solstice, Missa Gaia, and Earth Mass celebrations at St. John the Divine, the world’s largest cathedral in New York City.
“We are thrilled to bring the Paul Winter Consort to Brattleboro, to share their powerful body of work which celebrates the cultures and creatures of the whole Earth,” said Lise Sparrow, pastor of the Guilford Community Church, UCC which is known in the region for its musical ministry, its commitment to the environment, and its global and community outreach.
“Proceeds from the concert will go towards our efforts to green up the lot next to our property, reclaiming the wetlands next to the brook and provide community space for a playground, labyrinth, or outside concert facility,” Sparrow explained.
Tickets cost $75 in advance for front orchestra seats (includes a post-concert reception with the performers); $40 all other downstairs seats; $20 balcony seats, and are available online at www.BrattleboroTix.com and at the door.
For more information, contact the Guilford Community Church at 802-257-0994 or visit: www.guilfordchurch.org/PaulWinter.
