Where can you go in NE Texas to enjoy your favorite songs from “Phantom of the Opera”, “My Fair Lady”, “Evita” or “Fiddler on the Roof”? Interestingly, in Quitman, Texas this Saturday evening, April 14! The 6:30 pm dessert affair themed “Let Us Entertain You” will feature members of the Quitman First United Methodist Church and area-known guest singers and musicians performing favorite Broadway musical selections. Attendance is free, by donation. The exciting evening will serve as a fundraiser for an even more exciting event…an opportunity for a specially-selected group of local singers to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York this autumn.
Mary Meyer and Lepha Luttrell
Also members of the NE Texas Choral Society, Vicky Smolek and Lepha Luttrall enjoy serving as co-directors of the Quitman church chancel choir where Mary Meyers is also a member. Last Christmas, a video of a church performance posted on You Tube was noticed by renowned American music composer Joseph Martin, and an invitation was sent to them to be part of the 200-voice New York premiere of his “Winter Rose Christmas Cantata”. In order for the group of 27 persons to make the trip, fundraising is needed. Their April 14 ‘Let Us Entertain You’ evening, a Fish Fry in June and other fundraising efforts have been planned. You can also donate through their GoFundMe account at gofundme.com/choir-performance-at-carnegie-hall. You can also mail donations to the Carnegie Hall trip at First United Methodist Church, 406 East Lane Street, Quitman, Texas or by calling 903-366-1506.
Composer Joseph Martin’s music can be heard worldwide in small and large venues, and he continues to travel, bringing memorable music and performers to people everywhere. He currently resides in Texas with his family and is Artist in Residence at Concordia University in Austin. The venue, Carnegie Hall, is a cultural center dedicated to excellence and to cultivating artistic talent. It was built in 1891 following the Civil War to uplift the spirits of it’s visitors and guests. It is located in Mid-town Mahattan and it’s over 3,500 seating is divided among three fabulous performance venues.
