When two internationally renowned American singers join forces Sunday afternoon, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m., at First Congregational Church in the Fountain Music Series, they will fittingly sing a program of mostly American solos and duets. The two are tenor Paul Spencer Adkins and baritone Ira Spaulding. Having never met, they have been brought together by Minister of Music Edwin R. Taylor, who will accompany the singers at the piano.
The program will begin and end with duets, two of five on the program by Ovid Young, noted American composer and pianist and friend of Mr. Taylor whose 2014 death saddened the choral world. Among these are Hiding in Thee, Rise Up, O Men of God, and I Sing of Thee.
Mr. Spaulding will sing three songs by Johannes Brahms and four of Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, including I Bought Me a Cat, and The Dodger, particularly appropriate in this election year. He will also perform three spirituals arranged by Roland Hayes.
Mr. Adkins will also offer three spirituals, from iconic arrangers Moses Hogan and Hall Johnson, in addition to Duke Ellington’s Freedom Suite, and the American hymn, He Looked Beyond My Fault, set to a traditional Irish folk melody.
Visitors are always welcome at the First Congregational Church, located by the fountain at the intersection of Main Street and West Lane in Ridgefield. Worship is at 8:30 and 10 on Sunday mornings. For more information, visit the church website at firstcongregational.com or call the church office at 203 438-8077.
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