My View of Life on the Dock
at St. Ann’s 12/19/2022
Dec. 17, 2014 throwback- East Gloucester Elementary theater holiday concert, and before the show seeing the classroom snowman decorating friendly competition displayed
listen to 14 seconds from 2014 singing at EGS theater holiday concert (snow falling down, down, down)
November 29, 2022
THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION PRESENTS A HOLIDAY CONCERT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
“AMERICAN ORIGINALS: A MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS”
The Musicians of the Old Post Road perform chamber music from the Moravian community
played on period instruments.
The Musicians of the Old Post Road return for the sixth consecutive year in a candlelight evening of chamber music
for the holiday season. The December 17 concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Gloucester Meetinghouse at the
corner of Middle and Church Streets in Gloucester.
The Musicians of the Old Post Road perform on period instruments and will be joined by soprano Jessica Petrus
and mezzo-soprano Hilary Ann Walker.
Musical selections are drawn from Moravian composers including several modern-day premieres of works penned
by America’s Moravian immigrants along with selections by Johann Joachim Quantz, Carl Heinrich Graun, and
Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, the fifth son of J.S. Bach.
Early music expert, Martin Pearlman, describes the Moravian community’s contribution to composition and performance:
“If a traveler to America in the 18th or early 19th century wanted to find the best music performed and written in the
European tradition” it would be found “in the churches and settlements of the Moravians.
Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. Preferred seating is $45 and general
seating $30; students with ID $10; children under 12 free.
ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub,
entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is
currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community
Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.
We thank the sponsors of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2022-2023 Autumn, Winter, Spring Concert and Event Series:
GUARANTOR: Woodie Brock, Patricia Roach & Robert Martin, Scobie Ward
PLATINUM: Anonymous, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Linzee Coolidge
GOLD: J.J. & Jackie Bell, John & Janis Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank
SILVER: JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, Patricia Poore
BRONZE: Beth Graham & William Schulz, Sandra & John Ronan, Holly Tanguay, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Michael Dyer
SPECIAL THANKS: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Essex County Community Foundation
CAPE ANN SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT
A Festive Musical Celebration to Celebrate the Season for orchestra and chorus. Featuring the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus
News and notes from Heidi Dallin:
“Cape Ann Symphony
Bringing back the Cape Ann Holiday tradition
PLUS
It’s the first performance of the Cape Ann Symphony orchestra
in
more
than
18 months!”
Heidi Dallin
The Cape Ann Symphony’s Annual Holiday Pops Concert, returns to kick off our 70th season with our traditional holiday concert on Saturday, November 27 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 27 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 28 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.
For tickets and information about this Cape Ann Holiday tradition, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org
The 2021 Holiday Pops Concert led by CAS Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa features the return of the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the direction of Rockport’s Wendy Betts. Udagawa has planned a joyful program of music from Anderson, Humperdinck, Rutter, Tchaikovsky plus Mark Hayes’ Believe from the hit film Polar Express, Courtney’s Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas, Davis/Hayes’ Little Drummer Boy, and Hayman’s Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
Cape Ann Symphony Board President Fran White is thrilled to have the orchestra back in performance in Manchester and Ipswich.
“This is a milestone year for CAS, our 70th anniversary of making music on Cape Ann! We stayed strong during the pandemic due to the diligence and Herculean efforts of our board, music director, and musicians and most importantly, the incredible support from our patrons! The Holiday Pops kicks off a spectacular 70th anniversary concert season! We are back and ready to make music for you for the next 70 years! “
Fran White, Cape Ann Symphony Board President
Cape Ann Symphony Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa is looking forward to this year’s Holiday Pops Concert,
“The musicians of the Cape Ann Symphony and I are very excited to be back to performing live with a full orchestra for our amazing audiences starting with the Holiday Pops. The wonderful singers of the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the fabulous direction of Wendy Betts will be featured in the concert, and it will be a joyous celebration of the Holiday Season. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we all feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to the incredible outpouring of support from our audiences and supporters, and we can’t wait to be together again with our loyal audiences to make music and celebrate!”
Yoichi Udagawa, Cape Ann Symphony Conductor & Director
The 2021 Holiday Pops program includes Tchaikovsky’s Selections from The Nutcracker; Anderson’s Christmas Festival , Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Prelude, Hayman’s Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,Davis/Hayes’ Little Drummer Boy, John Rutter’s Joy To The World and Candlelight Carol, Mark Hayes’ Believe from the hit film Polar Express, John Leavitt’s Bashana Haba’ah, and Holcomb’s Festive Sounds of Hanukkah.
The Cape Ann Symphony launched The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus at the 2005 Holiday Pops Concert. The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus is a chorale with over 75 voices from the North Shore area. The group performed with the Cape Ann Symphony at Holiday Pops Concerts in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 2013, 2014. 2015, 2016. 2017, 2018 and 2019. The 75 plus member chorale under the direction of Wendy Betts is comprised mostly of North Shore residents, the majority of which live on Cape Ann.
“The CAS Chorus is glad to be back together! I have missed working with these tremendous singers! They work hard, are disciplined in their music tasks, and put out a lovely choral sound. But best of all, they truly enjoy one another, which is what choral singing is all about! Making music TOGETHER!”
Wendy Betts, musical director Cape Ann Symphony Chorus (north shore community residents)
Founded in Gloucester in 1951, the Cape Ann Symphony is a professional orchestra of over 70 players from throughout the New England area. They perform a subscription season of four concerts per year plus several Pops and youth concerts. The Symphony Board of Directors named Yoichi Udagawa the Music Director and Conductor of the Cape Ann Symphony in the summer of 2000 after a yearlong search. In addition to his leadership of Cape Ann Symphony, he is Music Director and Conductor of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and a cover conductor at the Boston Pops Orchestra. Frequently invited to guest conduct, Mr. Udagawa has worked with many different orchestras including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Nobeoka Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Indian Hill Symphony, the Garden State Philharmonic, the Brown University Orchestra, the Syracuse Society for New Music, the Boston Conservatory Orchestra, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, the Newton Symphony, the Austin Civic Orchestra, and the Mid-Texas Symphony. Mr. Udagawa is at home in popular and contemporary music as well as the standard symphonic repertoire. He is known for his relaxed manner and ability to speak from the podium which has helped new audiences as well as enthusiasts gain a greater appreciation for symphonic music. His programs often include premieres of new works – some specially commissioned for the orchestra — as well as great orchestral works across the symphonic repertoire and lively Pops programs. He is also an integral part of the Cape Ann Symphony Youth Outreach programs to area schools.
Cape Ann Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert is Saturday, November 27 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 27 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 28 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Single ticket prices are $45 for adults, $40 for senior citizens age 65 and above, $20 for Students of any age with a valid student id; $5 for youth 12 years old and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.
In accordance with the CAS Covid Safety Policy, all concert attendees will be required to show proof of Covid 19 vaccination or to present documentation of a negative test within 72 hours prior to the event and will be required to wear a mask during the performance.
photo caption: Yoichi Udagawa, Conductor and Music Director, Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra joined by Wendy Betts, Director Cape Ann Symphony Chorus | photo © Jeph Ellis
All the Cape Ann Big Band Holiday Swing concert musicians, the special guest vocalists, and the O’Maley school Band students were remarkable. And that cheery festive set was amazing– great job setting the vibe: Doreen Wonson, Kim Sayess, AnnaLee Meezes, True Sayess, and Carlos Menenzes Sr! Little sound snippet video captured below.
40th Annual Ladies Night – Gloucester Downtown – 5-10pm
It’s soooo easy to make Holiday Shopping Painless By Shopping Local and now with the Hive and Teen Artist Guild offering Gift wrapping service on Ladies night, it’s even easier and MORE FUN to get your shit done locally instead of fighting the crowds at the mall. No Brainer City Baby! To add to the awesome traditions of Ladies Night the Teen Artist Guild is having an open studio/boutique and wrapping event.
Custom made wrapping paper to wrap gifts – for free, of course donations to the program would be lovely!
December 5th, with a special tree lighting ceremony in front of Town Hall on Martin Street beginning at 6:30.
December 6th – Arrival of Santa by boat at 6PM at the Town Landing. As you are waiting for Santa, activities and refreshments will be set up including: riding Thomas the Train, Woodman’s Clam Chowder, Dunkin’ Donuts Hot Chocolate, and more.
December 7th, features a breakfast with Santa at the Essex Elementary School from 8-11AM as well as all day Holiday Shopping Open Houses at many Essex’s local businesses.
Friday, December 6
SoulCove CFA’s Grand Opening Gala! @ 8 Atwater Ave, Manchester, MA
Join us for our grand opening event! The Manchester Athletic Club is holding their Holiday Fair Expo on December 6th and we will be opening our doors to the community as well.
From 5:00pm-8:00pm Rach and Thom will be on hand with many of our faculty members to speak with you about all of the exciting classes, ensembles, camps, and performances being offered at SoulCove. Guests will also have the opportunity to view and purchase some of the amazing art on our walls!
At 8:00pm we will move into The Garden Room for cocktails and a performance by members of the SoulCove faculty (collaborations galore!)
December 6
Shop Manchester Night from 4-9 pm.Win an iPad Mini or a BMX Bike
December 7
Shop Manchester Day
Win an iPad Mini or a BMX Bike
The Jingle Bell Walk with Santa
December 8 3:30 pm
Christmas Concert and the Lighting of the Friendship Tree
The 176th Annual ANNISQUAM SEWING CIRCLE CHRISTMAS FAIR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 ~ 8:30 am – Noon
At the ANNISQUAM VILLAGE HALL, LEONARD STREET, ANNISQUAM
A delicious LUNCHEON will be served at 12:30 pm!
The Christmas Fair features fresh holiday greens, centerpieces, wreaths and plants; exceptional handicrafts, and a glittering display of costume jewelry. The Sewing Circle is proud of the lovely presentation and wrapping of home-baked, gourmet foods and preserves prepared by our members. Delightful hostess baskets are always popular items at the sale. The Circle of Recipes cookbook, filled with cherished family recipes and historical commentaries from Sewing Circle members, will be available as a perfect Christmas gift!
The festive and delicious three-course luncheon will be served at 12:30 and tickets are $15.00. Reservations are recommended. Please call 978-283-2247.
Founded in 1837, the Annisquam Sewing Circle is one of the oldest, continuous, independent societies of women in the United States. The Sewing Circle contributes the proceeds of their Christmas Fair and other fundraisers to the needs of many of Cape Ann’s community programs.
The Village Hall in Annisquam, Gloucester, is located on Leonard Street off Rt. 127A. Watch for the signs at Gran Circle and the Annisquam Village Church!
Rockport Holiday Activities:
Santa Arrives via a Lobster Boat and Tree Lighting @ Bradley Wharf on Bearskin Neck, and Dock Square, 3:45pm
St. John’s Church, 48 Middle Street, Gloucester will host “Lessons and Carols for Advent” on Sunday, December 8 at 4 pm. The program is open to the public. Featuring music and readings for the season of Advent, the Parish Choir as well as the new young Choir School Choristers (pictured) will sing. Featured is the anthem “Advent”, a composition by music director, Mark Nelson, for choir and flute with words by Gloria Richardson, noted Cape Ann poet and church member. Playing the flute will be Jean Antrim. The congregation will sing several hymns including “Lo, he comes with clouds descending” and “O come, O come Emmanuel”. The church is decorated with deep blue altar hangings and the blue “contrails” hanging from the arches overhead and lit with the light of a hundred blue candles. Freewill offering at the door. Free parking at 33 Washington Street. A reception follows. 978.283.1708 ext 2. stjohnsgloucester.org
If that was not enough there is great music happening all around Cape Ann check out the complete listing here
There are only 9 days left to build a gingerbread house for the Middle Street Walk Contest on Dec. 14. Your house must be completed by Dec. 13. Checkout this video on how to make one from Cape Ann TV http://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01896&video=177709
Join us for our 7th Annual Holiday Concert at Willowdale Estate! Monday, December 2nd from 7-9pm with light refreshments to follow. Our concert will feature traditional holiday music with selections from Handel’s Messiah.Our Soloists:
Lora Suzanne Tamagini – Mezzo Soprano
Ms. Lora Tamagini holds both degrees from New England Conservatory of Music and the Boston University College of Performing Arts. Ms. Tamagini has toured through Europe, Asia, and the United States as an oratorio and operatic soloist. She currently serves as the Director of Performing Arts at Nazareth Academy in Wakefield, and the Director of Music at St. Thomas of Villanova in Wilmington. Ms. Tamagini has published, directed, and recorded her original arrangements and compositions of contemporary music. Her music and choirs can be heard on three CDs; Joy in my Soul (1998), Sing to the Lord (2000), and Sing Gloria (2010).
Lisa Anne Tamagini – Soprano
After receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Vocal Performance at the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Jan DeGaetani, Ms. Tamagini began her career on the operatic stage. Her leading roles range from Monteverdi to Mozart to Verdi, but she has specialized in singing Puccini Heroines, such as Mimi in La Boheme, Magda in la Rondine, Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly, and the title role in Tosca, with opera companies throughout the United States including: The Arizona Opera, Opera Omaha, National Lyric Opera, Houston Grand Opera and The New York City Opera. Equally comfortable on the concert stage, Ms. Tamagini has been featured in song recitals and concerts singing such works as Mozart’s Exultate Julibate, Bach’s Mass in Messiah, and Barber’s Knoxville: Summer is 1915 venues including: Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., New York’s Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall. As well, she has been a regularly featured Artist in the “Meet the Artist” series at Lincoln Center. Ms. Tamagini has been a Fellowship Recipient and Featured Artist at the Aspen Music Festival, and has received awards from the MacAllister Awards, The Puccini Foundation, Metropolitan National Council Auditions and the Liederkranz Foundation in New York City.
Briar Rose Forsythe – Soprano
Ms. Briar Rose Forsythe-Fandetti studied at New England Conservatory of Music, continued her studies at Longy School of Music, giving several Recitals and performing in Opera Workshops around New England.
Ms. Briar Rose is the Curator and the Owner of Willowdale Estate. Together with her family, she opened a bed and breakfast in 1992, a historic 1832 Greek revival house in Cambridge, MA, where she learned very valuable lessons about the essence of hospitality. Forsythe-Fandetti Family grew and expanded in 2002 to include a renovated 1895 fire station and converted it into a boutique hotel. At the Kendall, Briar was able to open and operate the “lobby-style” hotel restaurant, The Black Sheep, where they served up classic American favorites with the best chili in the neighborhood. In 2007, Ms. Forsythe started her own business at Willowdale. It was Briar’s dream to be able to host Musical Concerts of her own. Briar is passionate about supporting local artists. The success of the business at Willowdale made it possible to create unforgettable Holiday Performances for everybody to enjoy.
Have questions about Annual Holiday Concert? Contact Willowdale Estate
Come celebrate the holidays at Willowdale Estate, Tuesday night, December 4th at 7:00.
I’ve come to look forward to attending Willowdale’s Annual Holiday Concert. The traditional carols and beautiful music put me in the holiday spirit, along with the splendid ambiance, and Briar’s beyond-delicious refreshments! I hope to see you there!
For ticket information call 978.887.8211 or email info@WillowdaleEstate.com.
Good Morning Gloucester 