Organist Dr. Crys Armbrust will play the opening recital on the Bach’s Lunch/Wednesdays at Noon Advent Recital Series at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, on Dec. 5.

Joseph Pullara IV, who plays the trumpet, will also perform.

The selections will reference the concept of time, a theme most appropriate to Advent. Advent is the liturgical season dedicated to contemplation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. The program will include compositions by J. S. Bach, Maurice Durufle, and several modern works in the jazz idiom by Aster Piazolla and Martin Nystrom.

Dr. Armbrust holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance and 19th century British Literature from the University of South Carolina. His collateral interests include music performance, composition, and art history. He has served as music director for numerous Carolina churches, and has directed choral performances at the Washington National Cathedral, St. Albans Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Pullara is a native of Tryon and attended Polk County High School. After graduation in 2007, he enrolled at the University of Arkansas, from which he graduated in May 2012 with dual degrees in music education and performance.

These 30-minute Advent recitals are free, and all are invited to attend. A box lunch will be available for purchase. For more information, please call the Holy Cross Episcopal Church office at 859-9741.

Future Bach’s Lunch/Wednesdays at Noon Advent Recitals:

Dec. 12 – John Malloy, violin; Kathleen Foster, cello; Kymric Mahnke, piano, performing the Trio in D minor, Opus 49, by Felix Mendelssohn

Dec. 19 – Wanda May, soprano; and Jeanette Shackelford, piano

The church is located at 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon.

– article submitted by Susie Mahnke