First Presbyterian Church Remembers 9/11

Aug. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- First Presbyterian Church presents a "9/11 Memorial Concert" on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in the FPC Sanctuary, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, at 7:00 p.m.  This concert is FREE and open to the public.  All are welcomed to attend and join in this remembrance!

The concert will include the haunting Fauré "Requiem" and Copland’s "Quiet City" as musical tributes to the tragic events that occurred ten years ago on 9/11.  Interspersed with the music and congregational hymns, this Memorial Concert includes poignant stories, poetry, and scripture to evoke recollections of that heartbreaking day in our history.

Lakeland's Chandler King returns from the American Boychoir in Princeton, NJ to sing Fauré's beloved "Pie Jesu."  He is a member of The American Boychoir's touring group and began his duties as one of two Head Boys this fall.  As Head Boy, Chandler is considered the leader of the choir and serves as the liaison between the choristers and the staff.  His responsibilities include directing the boys from place to place in double-line formation and making sure they are behaving whenever the adults are not present.

"I really enjoy touring with The American Boychoir - staying with host families, performing concerts, keeping up with my school work, as well as learning how to manage my time!" states Chandler.  "Touring has helped me to develop some other traits as well, including kindness and respect."

Chandler's performing career includes singing in the FPC youth choirs.  In January 2010, after one of The American Boychoir concerts at First Presbyterian Church, he successfully auditioned in the sanctuary for Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, the conductor and musical director.  In the fall, Chandler moved to Princeton, NJ to begin The American Boychoir School, a boarding school dedicated to combining the training program for mastery of choral music with a superior academic program.  The American Boychoir School values self-discipline, self-reliance, hard work, teamwork, and dedication to long-term goals.  It is a great honor for him to be chosen as Head Boy for this school year.  

"First Presbyterian Church is proud of Chandler King," states Dr. Gordon, conductor of the "9/11 Memorial Concert" and director of the FPC Fine Arts Ministries.  "He is a first-class musician and a fabulous singer.  We deeply appreciate Chandler, his family, and the staff at the American Boychoir for allowing him to participate in this important event in the life of our congregation."

The "9/11 Memorial Concert" kicks off the 2011/1012 FPC Performing Arts Series and will feature the FPC Chancel Choir and FPC Chamber Orchestra.  Craig Maddox, associate professor of voice at Stetson University will perform the baritone solos, while Lakeland native and American Boychoir chorister Chandler King will perform the well-loved "Pie Jesu."

Copland's "Quiet City" is a tone poem for English horn, trumpet, and string orchestra.  Jeffrey Stephenson (English horn) and Donald West (trumpet) are featured soloists in this piece.  Mary Grace Gordon, soprano, will sing Debussy's "Il Pleure dans mon Coeur" accompanied by pianist, Rita Fandrich.  FPC organist, David J. Campbell will perform "Cathédrales" by Louis Vierne.

The FPC "9/11 Memorial Concert" takes place on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in the FPC Sanctuary, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, at 7:00 p.m.  This concert is FREE and open to the public.  All are welcomed to attend and join in this remembrance!  For more information, please call the First Presbyterian Church office at (863) 686-7187.

PHOTO CAPTION:  American Boychoir Head Boy, Chandler King returns Lakeland to perform as soloist in the FPC 9/11 Memorial Concert on Sunday, Sept. 11, in the FPC Sanctuary, at 7:00 p.m.
(Photo provided by The American Boychoir.)

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The vision of First Presbyterian Church is to make and mature disciples for Jesus Christ. First Presbyterian Church responds to God’s grace by praising him and offering Christ-centered worship, Bible-based teachings, and prayerful opportunities for mission and service to all.

First Presbyterian Church
175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 686-7187