Kate is a soprano originally from the Washington DC area. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She also has a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy and a Singing Health Specialization from The Ohio State University where she served as a graduate teaching assistant and was awarded the Margaret Speaks Vocal Scholarship Award.

Kate frequently performs with Opera Columbus with her most recent performance in Twisted 3 playing the role of Nella in Gianni Schicchi. Her past roles with Opera Columbus include Elvira in #UncleJohn, Pamina in The Magic Flute for Education Outreach. Additionally, she performs in annual outreach events singing musical theater and operatic repertoire. Other operatic roles performed are Lisette in La Rondine and Belinda in Dido and Aeneas. Kate has also performed several musical theatre roles including Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Elle (Legally Blonde), Cinderella (Into the Woods), over 60 performances of Cosette (Les Miserables), and Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) for which she was nominated for a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Concert work includes soprano soloist for Handel’s Messiah at Bluffton University, Faure’s Requiem with St. Veronica Catholic Church Adult Choir, and guest soloist with the Lancaster Chorale. When not performing, Kate works as the Music Director for the United Church of Granville and enjoys teaching voice and piano.

5:45 p.m. — Children’s Choir
6 p.m. — Chancel Choir, Festivo Bells, and members of Newark-Granville Youth Symphony
7 p.m. — The Angel Choir with Denison’s Ladies’ Night Out a cappella group

This inspired Cantata by Mark Hayes covers the depth of poignant and introspective prayers for God’s mercy, to angelic proclamations of the majesty and glory of God. Allusions to aspects of nature throughout, underscores the themes and uniquely highlights the progression of the Christmas story. Come hear the story told in a new, memorable and exciting way.

Matt Bickett regularly performs throughout the United States and Europe as organist and harpsichordist. Equally at home with historic and contemporary music, Matt centers his performances around historically informed playing styles and techniques. Reviewers have described his performances as “rare and interesting” (ClevelandClassical) and “masterfully negotiated” (Bloomington Herald Times), and his playing has been recognized with a first prize in the 2017 Quimby Competition for young organists. Recordings of his performances have been featured on Pipedreams, American Public Media’s nationally syndicated radio program.

Every other June, high school members of First Presbyterian’s Angel Choir embark upon a six-day Summer Singing Tour, performing in churches, retirement communities, and schools. Their traditional send-off concert, directed by Joy Hire and accompanied by Meredith Needham, includes sacred and secular pieces to be presented on this year’s tour to New England. Enjoy the beauty of youthful voices and wish them Godspeed on their journey.