Organist Walt Strony
Organist Walt Strony

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. November 29, 2016 – Beautiful music will get you into the spirit of Christmas – and offer an antidote to the rush-rush of commercial holidays – during free mini-concerts every Wednesday in Grass Valley.

Free half-hour concerts start at 5 p.m. every Wednesday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21, at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main St., near downtown Grass Valley. Music on organ, recorder, flute, string quartet and handbells will evoke a contemplative state of waiting and watching – the traditional mood in the weeks before Christmas.

Here’s the line-up:

  • Nov. 30: Thomas Greathouse on the organ, with a local recorder group playing classics such as “O Come, O Come, Emanuel” and “In the Bleak Mid-Winter.”
  • Dec. 7: Walt Strony on the organ, with special guest Kirsti Powell on the flute.
  • Dec. 14: Walt Strony on the organ, with a string quartet pulled from the Olli Orchestra at Sierra College.
  • Dec. 21: Bells of Peace handbell choir, with a solo by Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van and a duet with Smith Le Van and Marge Shasberger.

After the concert, a short worship service will follow the moving, musical format of Holden Evening Prayer. Music includes a modern interpretation of  “The Magnificat.”

Strony is a nationally recognized player of both the theater and classical organ, specializing in authentic scores for silent movies. He has toured internationally, recorded nearly 30 albums, is sought after as an organ consultant, gives seminars and authored a popular book on playing the organ. The Allen Organ Company honored him by building a model named for him.

For more information, visit www.PeaceLutheranGV.org or call (530) 273-9631.