WILMINGTON — Once again, St. Mary's in the Mountains is offering a musical dessert to conclude the Deerfield Valley annual Wine & Harvest Festival's “Wine & Soup Stroll” on Friday, Sept. 22, with music starting at 7:30 p.m.
After strolling the village sampling wines and foods from area restaurants, visitors and neighbors are invited to come to the historic main hall of St. Mary's in Wilmington to enjoy desserts and a concert of classical works performed by a group of talented musicians.
Admission to the concert is by free-will donation, and all proceeds will benefit the Deerfield Valley Cares Heating Assistance program.
Since 2004, this program has helped those in the community who, despite their best efforts, cannot make ends meet and need assistance with heating expenses. Recipients include working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and neighbors who for whatever reason just need short-term help while they get back on their feet.
A group of area musicians have come together for this event, donating their time and talents for this important cause.
Among the works to be performed are “Alphorn for Soprano, Horn and Piano,” by Richard Strauss, performed by Marietta Formanek (soprano), Karen Horton (French horn), and Barbara Lipstadt (piano); “Fantasie Brillante on Themes from Bizet's Carmen,” by François Borne, performed by Robin Matathias (flute) and Barbara Lipstadt; and “Fantasiestucke” by Robert Schumann, performed by Kathleen Loomis-Ward (clarinet) and Richard Mattern (piano). Dennis Ainsworth will offer some lively piano pieces, including “German Dance” by Beethoven; “Hungarian Dance” by Brahms; and “Arkansas Traveler” by David W. Guion.
Other performers will include violinist Santo Patane, organist Peter Walker, and cellist Pedro Pereira with his Baroque ensemble, featuring Martin Hanft on flute and recorder, Gudrun Weeks on violin, and harpsichordist Wendy Redlinger. Such an assembly promises to provide a broad spectrum of classical music, both in styles and instrumentation.
St. Mary's is located in a 150-year old church building which was refreshed last year to its more historic look. Its distinctive red door inspired the name for this series, which during the past year has also included a Community Carol Sing, a Valentine's Concert of jazz and romantic favorites, and a Musical Potpourri of folk, classical, vocal, jazz, and other styles of music.
The distinctive sanctuary, where the concert will be held, provides a dynamic and warm place for music.