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~Who We Are~St. Cecilia Consort, under the direction of Charles W. Whittaker, is a chamber orchestra specializing in the music of the 17th and 18th centuries. Although the orchestra does not play period instruments, the orchestra attempts to be true to informed performance practices of the Baroque era. The consort is open to skilled players, both professional and non-professional, and provides worship leadership to First Presbyterian Church on a monthly basis playing at each of the two worship services held in the sanctuary. Many of our players attend summer workshops to further their knowledge of Baroque performance practice. The consort has toured in both the United States and in Europe and has played in such places as Chartres Cathedral in France, Bach's church in Leipsig, and as near to home as Birmingham, Alabama. The orchestra has players ranging in age from exceptionally talented high school students to those in retirement. The orchestra also is a regular participant in the Musica Sacra concert series, housed in the First Presbyterian Church as well. This series gives free Sunday afternoon concerts several times a year with a suggested donation of $5. The orchestra accompanies the choral portions of major works in an effort to make this fine music more accessible to the general public. On most years the orchestra hosts a "Friends and Family Concert" in June.
From left to right: Kirsten Santos, Larry Barnard, Jane McRae,
Polly Price, Karen Eastburn, Mary Cashin, Mark Rogers, Steve Karp, Bonnie Gartley. Not pictured: Kit Robey, Bess Meade, Ruth Ann Little.
From left to right: Mary McCoy, Smith Byrne, Margaret Cobb,
Emily Hart Cobb, Kate Marani, Shawn Pagliarini (string coach). Not pictured: Chung-Hua Jen, Jonathan LeMar, Merrill Rickets, Anastasia Clark.
From left to right: Matthew Edwards, Florrie Johnson,
Kathy Wellman, Stan Powell, Bill Wiley.
From left to right: Pronda Few, Elizabeth Fogartie, Leah Ryan,
Diane Whittaker, Elecia Osadchuk, Giles Myers, Allen Dodge. Not pictured: Isabel Harrison, Eric Hawkins, Chris Jarrettt, Brittany Clark.
From left to right: Heather Rodriguez, Allison Beskin, John Freeman,
Andrea Ryan, Lynn Dodge, Bill Johnston, Jean Russ, Kirsten Bergey. Not pictured: Claire Heil, Anna Green, Paul Bowman, Jamie Green, Bill Johnston. Also not shown on this page: Zeff Zumsteg, Charlie Little (Horns), Brian Sodenberg (Timpani/Percussion), Kathy Schmeelk (Harp).
Who is St. Cecilia?A Roman martyr, St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music in the Catholic tradition. Her name is often taken by musical associations. In paintings – most famously in a portrait by Raphael – she is often shown at the organ.In literature, St. Cecilia is the subject of the Second Nun's Tale in the Canterbury Tales, of John Dryden's "A Song for St. Cecilia's Day, 1687," and of Alexander Pope's "Ode for Music on St. Cecilia's Day." Dryden's song was set to music by Handel. Another English form of her name is Cecily. Her feast day is November 22. Source: infoplease.com |
Website conceived by Margaret Cobb and developed by White Oak Design.
and Missy Looper, a member of the SCA (Scribes of Atlanta), for her original border design.