It is with great joy that Trinity Episcopal Church announces a new music series designed to make the highest caliber and variety of music available and accessible  to all in the greater Parkersburg community.   This series will consist of 4 to  8 offerings each year  and the goals will be to offer great music of varied styles

The series carries with it some unique components–each year at least one offering will focus on music by young people, and each year at least one offering in the series will have its foundation in a worship experience.  There will be no  “admission  fee” for any of the St. Cecilia events.  However, we have as an additional purpose the intention of “offering a beneficial outreach to the community.”  Each event in the series will give all who come the opportunity to make a difference.  One event may include the invitation to bring non-perishable food to be distributed to those in need; another may invite people to bring a sweatshirt or blanket to be given to those who are cold.

When the artists share liberally with their time, we may invite you to make an offering of generosity to benefit some cause such as providing instruments for music education to a school or university.  Further, we are hoping to make an arrangement with local arts support organizations to “match” any contribution made.

Why St. Cecilia?

St. Cecilia was a Roman martyr of the 3^rd century.  Since the 16^th century she has been known as the patron saint of musicians.  The accounts of her wedding tell us that as the instruments played she sang in her heart to the Lord saying: may my heart remain unsullied, so that I may not be confounded.”  The Second  Nun’s Tale from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is the traditional, and most famous, account of her life.  She is remembered in works by Dryden (Song   for St. Cecilia’s Day) and by Pope (Ode for Music on St. Cecilia’s Day).

For more information contact Arlene Wetzel, Organist & Choirmaster at Trinity Church 304-422-3362 or check the Schedules link above monthly.