Ascension Music is pleased to announce the Salon Series.
We often think of classical music as something that happens in a large, formal concert hall. However, for much of history, music for small ensembles was intended for intimate gatherings in private rooms. This is where “chamber music” got its name. Salons, or small gatherings to share music, discussion, and company, were an important forum for culture in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were also a forum separate from the professional, male-dominated world of symphony orchestras. It was often women often hosted salons, and provided opportunities for unknown artists to share their work or discuss new ideas.
This reflects our vision for our modern Salon Series: chamber music gatherings that are informal, enlightening and welcoming, accessible to all, with admission by freewill donation, and which will always include works by composers from historically underrepresented groups.
We plan to announce the details of the 2022/23 Salon Series in October. For now, a summary:
The opening event will be a parlor recital in October, featuring a program of 19th-century piano music written as gifts and messages between friends and lovers. This event will be a fundraiser to support the rest of the season.
In December, Charlotte Engler will join as guest artist for Christmas in the Parlor, a re-creation of a Victorian Christmas gathering, in which the audience will join with caroling around the piano, as well as listening to Nativity-themed art songs and piano music.
During Lent, we will offer a guest performance of sacred vocal chamber music in the Sanctuary, and in the Spring of 2023, we will be joined by organist and pianist Hannah Brewer, beloved friend of Ascension and Director of Music at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.
Our Salon Series will be a means to invite new friends into our space, and to share the empathy and beauty that music has to offer. We can’t wait to share the full season details with you! For now, please pray that our efforts will enliven our church and share Christ’s love with our community–and start thinking of friends to invite!
Soli Deo gloria,
Emma Mildred Riggle
Minister of Music, Ascension Episcopal Parish