FROM ROB GASTON
ST MARK’S COMMUNICATION
St Mark’s Church in Prattville will host its annual Musical Offering on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 PM; this performance of both instrumental and vocal music is open to the public and is free of charge. This is the 5th year of the Offering that will feature 12 different musicians from around the area. Among the musicians this year are recording artists, Beth and Johnny Veres who have toured with the east and west coast as part of the Electric Blue Yonder and released their first album this year.
Also featured will be Carolyn O’Bryan-Miller, Music Director at St Mark’s and Yuliya Childers, former director of the Prattville Community Chorus and an alumni of the Odessa Conservatory of Music in the Ukraine. Audience members will get to experience 17 pieces of music that will appeal to a variety of tastes, from classical to jazz to folk, rock, and show tunes to popular music, so just about everyone will find something they like.
The first St Mark’s Musical Offering was in 2016 and began originally as a way to feature the church’s genuine Steinway Piano that was built in New York in 1905. A couple from Dothan had traveled to New York to purchase the piano, and it remained in their family for over 100 years. In 2016, St Mark’s received a very generous memorial donation from church members that enabled them to purchase the piano which had recently been completely refurbished. And several of the Offering’s musicians will definitely put this wonderful instrument through its paces. Interestingly, the piano is 5 years older than the St Mark’s sanctuary that now houses it.
The initial 2016 Offering proved highly popular and has been continued every year since. Over the years, the types of music offered and the musicians performing it have been varied and greatly appreciated by the Prattville and area communities. In the words of Carolyn O’Bryan-Miller, St Mark’s Music Director and coordinator of the event, the Offering has become “One of the most-anticipated events of any kind in Prattville” and is always packed. As mentioned, attendance is free, so audience members are encouraged to come early to ensure a seat.
Afterwards, the church will host a reception in the Ray Fellowship Hall with light refreshments where audience members will have the opportunity to get to know some of the very-talented musicians. For further information, please call St Mark’s Episcopal Church at 334-365-5289.
