Music From St. Mark's: Christmas Pops
Free
- Jon Johnson, organ
Music from St. Mark's presents its annual Christmas Pops celebration on Sunday, December 11 with a brass and percussion ensemble conducted by Brett Richardson, and featuring Jon Johnson, organist. All are invited to journey to the lighter side of the Advent season with highlights for the whole family and an extra large dose of holiday joy.
Originally published in 1823, A Visit from St. Nicholas is "arguably the best-known verses ever written by an American" and the centerpiece of the afternoon with a special appearance by St. Mark's own Rev. Beth Knowlton as narrator. Author Clement Clarke Moore borrowed his imagery of Saint Nicholas from his friend Washington Irving, and it has endured as America's favorite jolly old elf. The concert will also include crowd favorites such as the popular Ukrainian folk tune, Carol of the Bells, a congregation sing-a-long, and Jingle Bells Swing-a-Ling-Ding – made popular by former Tonight Show band leader Doc Severinson.
Music from St. Mark’s is offered free of charge to the community through the generous support of the St. Cecilia Guild of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. 315 E Pecan St – free parking available.
About Jon Johnson, organ
A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Jon Johnson is Director of Music and Organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where he oversees all aspects of the music program, including five choirs and the St. Cecilia Music Series. Johnson holds the Master of Music in organ performance and literature, the Sacred Music Diploma, and Doctoral studies from the Eastman School of Music in the studio of David Higgs; the Master of Music in choral conducting in the studio of Daniel Bara, and the Bachelor of Music in organ performance in the studio of Janette Fishell from East Carolina University. As an undergraduate, Johnson was the Fletcher Scholar, East Carolina’s most prestigious music scholarship. During his time as a choral conducting student with Daniel Bara, Johnson was part of the ECU Chamber Singers first choral album, “Greater Love: The English Choral and Organ Tradition,” produced by Gothic/Loft Recordings, found on Spotify. Other major teachers include continuo and improvisation with William Porter and James Bobb; choral conducting with Rhonda Fleming, Steven Kennedy, and William Weinert; and piano with Michael Sitton, Shuko Watanabe, Byron Petty, and Henry Doskey. Additionally, Johnson has coached with world-renowned organists Dame Gillian Weir and Ludger Lohmann.