St. Cecilia Music Center opens its 135th anniversary season October 4, 2018. Learn what's in store at the historic venue—and plan your next fun and enriching visit.
In 1883, nine Grand Rapids women came up with the concept of creating an organization whose mission would be to, "promote the appreciation, study and performance of music in order to enrich the lives of the residents of West Michigan." In 1894, these resourceful women raised the money required and hired the people needed to build the historic music building at 24 Ransom Avenue—the first performing arts hall in the city.
One hundred thirty-five years later, St. Cecilia Music Center upholds the same mission put forth by the founding members by presenting a chamber music series in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, a spectacular jazz series that brings world-renowned jazz artists to Grand Rapids. Also presented is the Acoustic Café Folk Series, featuring some of today's most popular touring Americana bands and artists.
During the 2018 – 19 season, SCMC again welcomes renowned performers for concerts in the 630-seat Royce Auditorium—an intimate setting allowing the audience to be up-close with the artists. Each chamber music and jazz concert offers a pre-concert reception, with wine and hors d'oeuvres available for an additional charge. Every show also has a post-concert party in the ballroom with wine, coffee and dessert, where the artists visit with audience members, take photos and sign autographs. Take a look at the upcoming season:
Pokey LaFarge
Folk Series | October 4
Arturo Sandoval
Spectacular Jazz | October 11
Kenny Barron Quintet
Spectacular Jazz | November 1
The Trout Quintet
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center | November 15
The Lone Bellow
Folk Series | November 29
Joey DeFrancesco
Spectacular Jazz | February 7
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
Folk Series | February 9
The Milk Carton Kids
Folk Series | February 28
To learn more, visit St. Cecilia Music Center.
Courtesy of St. Cecilia Music Center.
Photo courtesy of St. Cecilia Music Center.
