TO CELEBRATE 125 YEARS OF METHODISM in Singapore, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) will be presenting a Wesleyan Hymn Festival on May 19 at Victoria Concert Hall at 8 pm.
Dr Michael Burkhardt, an acclaimed American hymn festival director, will lead the event. Internationally known for his innovative and inspiring hymn festivals and his creative work with children, he is in demand as a choral clinician, organ recitalist and hymn festival leader.
He has served in various capacities on the music faculties of Christ College and Carthage College (both in Irvine, California) and currently serves at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Livonia, Michigan as Director of Worship and the Arts and the Detroit Handbell Ensemble as Artistic Director. His works are published by Morningstar.
Co-organised by the Methodist School of Music (MSM), the Wesleyan Hymn Festival forms part of Aldersgate Convention 2010 and will include a number of Wesley’s famous hymns, arranged and conducted by Dr Burkhardt, and organ solos which he himself will play. A 100-voice choir amassed from our local Methodist churches will lead in the singing, accompanied by the ACJC Brass Ensemble, the Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) Choir, the MGS Handbells and MSM faculty members.
As seating in Victoria Concert Hall is limited, please get your reserved free tickets from the Methodist School of Music by calling tel: 6767-5258 or emailing: msm@ msmusic.edu.sg
Tickets will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis. In the event of a full house, guests may be invited to attend the Open Rehearsal on May 18, beginning at 8.45 pm and ending at 10 pm.
Dr Burkhardt will also be conducting two workshops during his visit to Singapore. On May 12, he will run a workshop on “Leading Hymn Singing” at Barker Road Methodist Church sanctuary from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. The workshop will highlight creative, practical resources for pianists, organists, worship leaders and cantors. On May 15, there will be a workshop on “Working with the Child Voice” at Paya Lebar Methodist Church (Covenant Chapel) from 10 am to noon. Dr Burkhardt will provide a hands-on, musical resource session for Sunday School music teachers and directors of children’s choirs. Details and registration forms are available at Methodist School of Music (http://www.msmusic.edu.sg).
Dr Evelyn S. E. Lim is the Lecturer/ Organist at the Methodist School of Music.
