Chamber Music Series celebrates 19th season

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Sept. 1, 2002
The music series that began as an outreach of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in 1984 has developed into one Meridian's much-anticipated yearly events.
In its 19th season, the St. Paul's Chamber Music Series is once again promising a collection of vocal, choral and instrumental artists.
The first concert is Sept. 12, with violinist Claire Fox Hilliard and pianist Meri Beth Hillard. The concert series features musicians about twice a month on Thursdays at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Other noted artists set to appear include pianist Manley Blackwell from Livingston, Ala., and the Mississippi Symphony Woodwind Quintet from Jackson.
The Christmas Concert will feature the Capital Brass from Jackson.
The new year begins with organist Chris Jenkins of Meridian followed by the Mississippi Symphony String Quartet from Jackson.
The month of February will featured harpist Sally Wood from Baton Rouge, La., and the Belhaven College Highland Singers from Jackson.
The series is funded by a one-time annual solicitation by mail and a free will offering collected at each concert. This money pays the musicians. Contributions may be made to the St. Paul's Chamber Series in care of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
The concerts are open to the public.
CONCERT SCHEDULE
Sept. 12: Claire Fox Hillard, violinist, and Meri Beth Hillard, pianist.
Sept. 26: Shawn Leopard and John Paul of Jackson. Music for Two Harpsichords
Oct. 10: Lelon Thompson, tenor, and Jaime Ward, pianist, from Jackson.
Oct. 24: Manley Blackwell, pianist, from Livingston, Ala.
Nov. 7: Mississippi Symphony Woodwind Quintet
from Jackson.
Nov. 21: Alexander Russakovsky, cellist from Hattiesburg.
Dec. 5: Nancy Balach, soprano, and Stacy Rodgers, pianist, from Oxford.
Dec. 19: Capital Brass from Jackson will present a Christmas Concert.
Jan. 9: Chris Jenkins, organist, from Meridian.
Jan. 23: Mississippi Symphony String Quartet from Jackson.
Feb. 6: Sally Wood, harpist from Baton Rouge, La.
Feb. 20: Belhaven College Highland Singers
from Jackson directed by Chris Shelt.
April 24: Guitar Quartet from Hattiesburg.
May 8: Bonus Concert Meridian Barbershop Chorus and The Brickstreet Quartet.
May 22: Carey Smith and Friends from Meridian.
WANT TO GO?
What: St. Paul's Chamber Music Series
Where: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1116 23rd Ave.
Concerts: Thursdays at 12:05 p.m.
Board members: Ronnie Miller, chairman; Tom John, vice-chairman; Judy Johnson, administrator: Helen Blanks, house; Jane Wacaster, treasurer; and Nita Neville, fund-raising.