Bethel United Church of Christ is presenting “A Cole Porter Celebration” on Sunday, Nov. 20, as part of the Music@Bethel concert series.
Four outstanding vocalists will perform songs showcasing the music of the iconic American composer and songwriter Cole Porter, with selections including “Night and Day,” “You’re the Top,” “Wunderbar,” and “It’s De-Lovely.”
Artists include soprano Felicia Burkovskiy, mezzo-soprano Lara Filip, tenor Alex Newkirk, and baritone Nathan Rago.
Fall in love all over again with some of the cleverest, funniest and most romantic songs ever written in the 20th century. They will perform tunes from Broadway musicals such as “Kiss Me Kate,” “Anything Goes,” “The Gay Divorcee” and “Paris,” as well as well-known classics from Tin Pan Alley.
Felicia Burkovskiy and Lara Filip are both regular contributors to the concert series, but this will be a first time appearance for tenor Alex Newkirk. Nate Rago has served as the church worship leader since the start of the pandemic.
The concert will begin at at 3 p.m.at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com or at the door.
All tickets are $20 and students are free.
For more information call Bethel Church at (630) 279-4040 or visit www.musicatbethel.com.
The church is accessible and parking is free. Enter through Sandburg Middle School from St. Charles Road, or from Huntington off Poplar Street.
In the spring, Music@Bethel welocmes the return of Guitarra Azul, one of its most popular bands, performing live and in person from the sanctuary at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Enjoy an exciting mix of rumba, flamenco and Latin jazz with intoxicating percussion and fiery Spanish guitars. With breathtaking technique, unforgettable melodies and spirited dance, Guitarra Azul promises to transport you to the warmth of a fragrant summer evening. This will be Guitarra Azul’s sixth appearance in the concert series, which will feature songs from their newest CD “Café Bolero.”
New this season is the “Rising Star Series” showcasing up-and-coming musical talent.
On Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m., pianist Zarin Mehta will bring his virtuosity and musical passion to the Music at Bethel audience in a program featuring music of Bach, Schubert, Lizst, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and his own prize-winning composition, “Glimpes.”
Mehta recently tied for second place at the International Young Artist Concerto Competition a Chicago-based competition in which 76 musicians from around the world age 18 and younger submitted video auditions of concerti. A student at Chicago’s Francis Parker School, he has been studying piano for 10 years and currently is coached by Winston Choi and Jeff Panko, and has previously worked with Mary Sauer. He also has appeared in performances with WFMT Classical Radio, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, and at Grant Park in Chicago. He also performs in a piano trio coached by Desiree Ruhstrat and David Cunliffe of the Lincoln Trio, and studies composition under Matthew Hagle of the Music Institute of Chicago. Zarin has performed with the Chicago Arts Orchestra twice under conductors Vladimir Kulenovic and Conner Gray Covington.
For information, visit www.musicatbethel.com.