2017 Events

Our annual program featured a sampling of musicians from across the area, representing diverse faiths – traditional music ensemble Hazeltree (Ginny Shilliday, Vivian Abramowitz, and Jackie Zito, pictured); pianist Hannah Kim; organist Brendan W. Carter; Orchestra Rouh, an after-school and summer music program open to international students ages 7-17 in Kalamazoo; Bahar Ensemble, a collection […]

Kevin J. Vaughn is director of music and organist at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend, Indiana, and instructor of organ and harpsichord at Goshen College. Featured on the program was the Messe de la Toussaint by French organist/composer Gaston Litaize. The Gregorian chant propers for All Saints’ Day were also sung by a […]

Composer, conductor, scholar, and music educator Dr. Andrea Ramsey joined the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus (Fred Sang, Director) in a performance featuring the premiere of Ramsey’s “And Joy is Everywhere” – a setting of a text by Rabindranath Tagore – commissioned by the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music. The musicians were accompanied by Patrica Hughey.

Grammy-nominated Neshama Carlebach, a leading superstar in Jewish entertainment, was joined by Kalamazoo’s own NAEA (Northside Association for Educational Advancement) GospelFest Choir for a concert at Chenery Auditorium.

By popular demand, the Rose Ensemble returned to the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music in 2017, in collaboration with Kalamazoo’s own Bach Fest. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based vocal ensemble was joined by Piffaro the Renaissance Band (late Medieval and Renaissance music) and singers from the Bach Festival Chorus. The concert celebrated the 500th anniversary of […]

A third-generation Canadian with Scottish and British roots, Wharnsby’s unique lyrical style, warm voice and knack for penning catchy melodies yield a rich reception from his listeners. Wharnsby was joined by the Red Sea Pedestrians, a melting pot of six distinct singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists well-known throughout Michigan and the Midwest for their ambitious live shows.

A community tradition since 1995, the annual Messiah Sing was held in the historic First Congregational United Church of Christ in downtown Kalamazoo.