We know that music is central to the worship experience - as we delight in the presence of God. HPUC has a long history of integrating a variety of music styles into worship, including organ, sacred choral music, gospel, jazz, and spirituals.
We frequently are treated to the sounds of local musicians, and sometimes even turn our sanctuary into a concert space! Musical guests have included the Willie Pickens Trio (Jazz), Justin and the Salty Dogs (Contemporary Bluegrass), EnsAmble Ad-Hoc (Early Music for Soprano and Lute), organist Dr. Stephen Alltop (Northwestern University), the Chicago Chorale, and the Marimba Ensemble from Holy Cross-IHM.
Senior Choir
The Senior Choir is central to our Music Program and leads morning worship throughout the school year. The choir consists of dedicated volunteers from our congregation. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 8:30 am. New singers and musicians are always welcome! Please contact our Director of Music, Elikem Fiase, to learn about how you can share your gifts.
Ghanaian Choral Art Music Concert
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Ghanaian Composer James Varrick Armaah headlines 150th anniversary fundraiser concert at Hyde Park Union Church Saturday, July 26
Historic church at 56th and Woodlawn is 80% of way toward fundraising goal for tower roof; $100,000 still needed WHAT Hyde Park Union Church welcomes Ghanaian composer James Varrick Armaah, creator of the West African radio hit “Oye” and director of Harmonious Chorale Ghana, for a concert with the church’s Chancel Choir, former members of Harmonious Chorale now living in the U.S., and community singers. Most of the concert will be in English, an official language of Ghana, with several songs in the Akan dialect. The music is joyful and suited for a family audience. The concert is free and open to all, with donations accepted, registration requested. WHEN/WHERE 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Hyde Park Union Church (5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Register and get more information at hpuc.org. VISUALS More than two dozen singers of diverse ages and races conducted by Ghanaian composer Armaah with an audience of more than 100 in the church’s historic sanctuary. B- ROLL OPPORTUNITY: Armaah will lead a workshop and dress rehearsal with choristers in the Hyde Park Union Church sanctuary, 3-6 p.m. Friday, July 25. Headshot of Armaah and photos of church available via Google Folder here. WHY “Ghanaian choral music and specifically Armaah’s work has extended its influence beyond Ghana through much of West, Central, and Southern Africa,” says Hyde Park Union Church Music Director Elikem Fiase. “The idea of the concert is to introduce Ghanaian art music to the wider Hyde Park and Chicago community.” The free concert celebrates Hyde Park Union Church’s 150th anniversary and ongoing work to repair and restore the building, which received historic landmark designation from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks last summer. Donations will go toward future capital repairs. The congregation recently funded a $500,000 project to replace its tower roof. The tower restoration, executed by Berglund Construction with architectural oversight by Arda Design, is part of a long-term strategy to restore the sanctuary (1906) and four-story education building (1926), for safe and comfortable use. Nearly one-third of the total 38,100 square feet is under-utilized due to a need for improvements or ADA accessibility. “The sight of the scaffolding has been a fitting metaphor for this period in the life of Hyde Park Union Church,” says Intentional Interim Minister Frank Walton. “Just as the act of rebuilding in Nehemiah strengthened the community for what was to come, I believe we are also always being prepared and blessed for our journey ahead." “In a time when many church buildings sit vacant or are in need of serious repair, Hyde Park Union Church remains a vital community hub,” says Mary J. Rogel, president of HPUC’s board. Community groups that share space at HPUC include the Hyde Park-Kenwood Food Pantry, Chicago Chorale, Korean United Methodist Campus Ministry, UChicago Muslim Students Association, and more. Our repertoire will include:
For more information, contact: India Daniels, 708.846.4140, [email protected] Elikem Fiase, 773.363,6063, [email protected] |
Check out these performances from our senior choir and jazz combo!
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