A Cappella Ensemble Concert at Willow Grove Church

Willow Grove Presbyterian Church invites the community to a free concert featuring the New Jersey Polyphonic A'Cappella Community Ensemble on Sunday, February 9 at 3:30 p.m.  This acclaimed group of twenty singers from around the region will present an exciting concert featuring a variety of anthems, hymns, and spirituals.  This concert is part of the Music for the Soul series.

Originally organized in 1973, the Ensemble is committed to community service through the medium of song.  Director Richard Allston explains, “This unique choral group is a music ministry dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song within the community via churches, schools, nursing homes, and other civic organizations.”  A native of Newark,  Allston  received his formal education at Wilberforce University in Ohio, continuing at the Julliard School of Music in New York City where he studied musical arranging.  He also received a degree in jazz studies at William Paterson College in Wayne, New Jersey. 

The ensemble will sing a combination of pieces, some of which are arrangements from Hampton University in Virginia.  The program includes Christian favorites such as “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,”  “Steal Away,” and “Precious Lord,” among others.  The choral group will also be joined by featured soloists. 

This concert is free and open to the public.  Light refreshments will also be provided immediately following the concert at a small reception where audience members can meet the vocalists.  This concert, the third in the “Music for the Soul” concert series for 2014, is made possible by a grant from the Elizabeth Presbytery.  Upcoming concerts include the Chinese-American Music Ensemble and the Music from China Youth Orchestra on March 15, and a concert featuring noted soprano Karen Notare and pianist Paul DiDario on April 6. 

Willow Grove Church is located at 1961 Raritan Rd. in Scotch Plains, near the Southside fire station at South Martine and Raritan Road.  The church is adjacent to South Plainfield, Edison, Plainfield, and Fanwood.  All facilities are handicapped accessible and there is ample on-site parking.  For more information call 908-232-5678 or visit www.willowgrovechurch.org.