The Annisquam Village Church launches its 2017 concert series with the Anglo-Irish ensemble, O’Carolan Etcetera, on Sunday, May 21 at 3 PM. Toe-tapping fiddle, flute, guitar, and hurdy-gurdy tunes are joined by balladeer Michael O’Leary and his bodhran for a set of laments, lullabies, and love songs. A Scottish burr (or “uvular trill”) may also be heard at this performance when Annisquam’s Poet Laureate, Duncan Nelson, declaims an Ode.  A reception with tea and scones round out this “MUSIC FROM THE MISTY ISLES” performance.

The  historic 1820’s (Third Parish) Village Church is an intimate setting for chamber music with lively, resonant acoustics and extraordinary keyboard instruments (two organs, a harpsichord, and a piano). The church is handicap accessible.  Tickets are $20 (Seniors and Students $15), and may be purchased at the door or in advance at  Diamond Cove Music or The Bookstore in Gloucester; and at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport.  Subcriptions: $50 for all three performances, include priority seating and may be purchased by check to AVC and mailed to ATTN: MUSIC, Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

The 2017 Concert Series continues on July 23 at 8 PM when cellist Jonathan Miller and harpsichordist Frances Conover Fitch collaborate in a program of Bach, Vivaldi, and Scarlatti.  An August 20, 8 PM concert on harpsichord and both organs features Beverly and Andrew Soll in solo and duo performances that include works of Bach, Mozart, Sweelinck, and Hindemith.