Two Catholic musicians and composers who have written some of the most enduring and memorable songs for contemporary worship in the Church, will join forces for a rare concert together on Sunday, October 23, at 6:00pm at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield.
Gregory Norbet, who spent 21 years as a Benedictine monk and music director at Weston Priory in Vermont, and Dan Schutte, who began his work as a composer of the St. Louis Jesuit Mass, will perform some of their best known songs along with new music.
Norbet is the composer of songs such as Hosea, All I Ask of You, Wherever You Go, Dona Nobis Pacem, and Peace, Come To Me,while Schutte’s work includes standards such as Here I am Lord, City of God and Only this I want.
Fr. John Baran, Pastor of St. Anthony Church, said both men have provided music for liturgies at the parish over the years, but the October 23 event will be the first time the two nationally known composers will come together for a performance.
Fr. Baran said the concert will also be a special moment because it celebrate the parish’s joining the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport.
“Profits from the concert will be donated to this amazing organization, which under the capable leadership of Rev. Cass Shaw, runs many programs that “fill in the gap” for people in need. They are currently trying to raise $25,000 so their 40 food pantries and soup kitchens can continue to provide food through the end of December,” he said.
Eleanor Sauers, Director of Religious Education at St. Anthony’s said the relationship of both artists to the parish developed in an organic fashion over the last few years.
“Gregory and Dan, at various times, were invited to help the parish celebrate the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. Through these visits, they embraced the parish, being drawn by the welcoming spirit of the congregation and the collaboration of the staff, led by the Fr. Baran.
Sauers said the parish in turn embraced Gregory and Dan, loving their music and anticipating their return. “Over time they had become part of the fabric of the parish. They were invited guests and friends. It was a natural next step that they would come to celebrate the Triduum with the parish, as they have done now for several years.
She said the idea of singing together in concert developed over the course of this past Triduum, and both artists were intrigued by the idea of doing a benefit for the Council of Churches, an organization that does important and necessary work in the Bridgeport area.
Tickets are available through the Box Office at the Quick Center
Please be aware that seats are limited and the concert will be open to the entire diocese.
Tel: (203) 254-4010
Ticket Price: $25 (for general seating)
$50 (for preferred seating and a pre-concert wine and cheese reception with the artists).
