Morristown's Fridays-on-the-Green Halloween Concert today at noon
At the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, Halloween isn't just for kids. The church is presenting its Fridays-on-the-Green Halloween concert today, Oct. 31 from 12 to 12:45 p.m.
The concert will be held in the chapel, and feature Morristown native and Villa Walsh School alum Lisa Romain joined by international pianist Suzana Bartal.
"We imagined the Fridays-on-the-Green concerts as brief performances that someone could enjoy during their lunch break," said Matthew Webb, director of music for The Presbyterian Church in Morristown.
The musicians will perform the Sonata in F Major by composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Romain will begin the performance by offering commentary on the piece.
"It's this beautiful piece of music that we think will help people escape from the chaos of all the Halloween celebrations taking place that day," he said.
The audience will also be invited to enjoy Halloween treats, including candy, cookies, and other refreshments.
"Kids are always welcome, but it's mainly adults who attend our lunchtime concerts ... so we thought it was a great opportunity for them to enjoy the concert along with some Halloween treats," Webb said. "It's not scary or spooky, but we hope it's something a little different to do to celebrate the holiday."
The Presbyterian Church in Morristown will follow up their Halloween concert with a musical service on Sunday, Nov. 2 in honor of All Saints Day. The service will be held from 10 to 11am.
The Chancel Choir of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, along with organist Ryan Kennedy and violinist Amy Hamilton-Soto, will perform Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. Webb will serve as conductor.
The well-known piece will be performed by a 40-voice choir, organ, and violin, and woven into the All Saints liturgy.
"It's one of those quintessential pieces of classical music you hear in movies and commercials all the time, and we love the idea of people coming in to enjoy this famous, popular piece of music as performed by our choir, organ, and violin," he said.
Webb also serves as church organist, and directs the adult choirs and the Ringers-on-the-Green choir. He holds a bachelor's degree in music and philosophy from Wake Forest University, and a master of music degree from the University of North Carolina.
He has built choral and instrumental programs for children adults. Webb has taught at Elon University, UNC Greensboro, the UNC School of the Arts, and the Canterbury School. He has worked as a collaborative pianist and choral conductor.
"All Saints Day is a day to think back about the people who have passed on during the course of the year, and to give people the strength and hope to live life to its fullest," he said. "It's not going to be a somber morning ... it's more of a peaceful, celebratory kind of service."
FRIDAYS-ON-THE-GREEN
WHEN: 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
WHERE: The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 East Park Place, Morristown
COST: Free
INFORMATION:www.pcmorristown.org or 973-538-1776