2016 Events

Gary Stroutsos (Native American flutes) and Carolyn Koebel (percussion) accompanied the presentation of Desert Dreams, a music performance with projected images, creating an immersive experience for all ages.

With a rich and diverse repertoire – spanning everything from centuries-old, traditional Javanese compositions to contemporary works – Friends of the Gamelan performed a free concert at the Kalamazoo Public Library.

The Rose Ensemble made its Michigan Festival of Sacred Music debut in 2016. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based vocal ensemble performed Land of Three Faiths, a program highlighting the Hispano-Arabic Middle Ages as both an important and devastating chapter of Judaic, Christian, and Islamic history. This engagement was supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a […]

Nefesh Mountain – the husband and wife team of Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff – bring their unique knowledge and passion for both Jewish and Bluegrass traditions to the fore, singing English and Hebrew songs alike. They performed two concerts at Congregation of Moses: a free family program in the morning, and an evening ticketed performance.

One of the premiere young concert organists of our time, Jonathan Ryan performed a solo recital showcasing the First Baptist Church’s Letourneau organ and repertoire for All Saints Day. The concert was preceded by a family-friendly “Introduction to the Organ” event, in tandem with a “Trunk-Or-Treat” at the First Congregational Church parking lot.

A trio of Syrian musicians on voice, oud, and percussion offered a varied repertoire, rooted in the rich musical heritage of the Arab Middle East.

The acclaimed organist concluded his Festival appearance by holding a Master Class at First Baptist Church.

Our annual “Sound & Spirit of Southwest Michigan” event concluded the 2016 Michigan Festival of Sacred Music. Performers included Hazeltree (acoustic traditional music ensemble, pictured); Capoeira Mandinga (acrobatics/martial arts with music and dance); Leahaliza Lee (traditional Sephardic song); Jean Watson (singer/violinist); Greg Secor (percussion); and Coalescence Percussion Duo (Greg Secor and Judy Moonert).