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 program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Crane Group.

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.

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

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.

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).