Sweet sounds of Classic Music at St. Paul’s Church

By Carolina Saenz

Don’t be surprised to hear some beautiful music escape the doors of St. Paul’s United Church this summer as members introduce a new Classical Music Series.

Featuring the MD3 Trio, this music series starts in July adding even more excitement to the town’s busy and diverse entertainment calendar Erika Reiman, who is also the music director at the church, shares how this event came to fruition.

Inspired by the wonderful acoustics in the church, its central location, and wanting to contribute to the church’s upkeep, Reiman decided music could bring people together. Proceeds from the concerts will be shared with the church the aging building is in dire need of a new roof. Funds will also be invested as in a professional level piano to enhance concert offerings

“I live in Hamilton and have brought quite a few of my colleagues to perform in our Sunday services, and they're all impressed by the venue as well as by the warm, friendly reception they get from our congregation. I'd like to support the work of the church, which is very active in supporting the Paris community; provide some opportunities for my fellow musicians; and most of all bring some first-class performances to the area,” she shares

The first concert will be held on Sunday, July 16th at 2:30 pm, featuring the MD3 Trio, consisting of Christine Chesebrough playing the violin, Gordon Cleland the cello, and Reiman on the piano.

“Christine and Gordon are fantastic soloists and orchestral musicians, and we love to play and share chamber music together. Depending on audience response, I hope to organize more concerts, possibly this summer but next summer for sure,”, Reiman said. This concert will include two of the great chamber works of the nineteenth century by Brahms and Mendelssohn. Reiman explains that the audience will enjoy a vibrant and dramatic performance full of good tunes

Future performances might include a variety of vocal as well as instrumental pieces, offering a balance of wellknown, beloved music with things that are “more off the beaten track”. “Paris is a vibrant and growing community, and I noticed that although there is quite a bit of music going on here, there might be room for some classical performances as well. We would like to offer professional-level concerts at a reasonable price point for both Paris residents and the many visitors that flock here in the summer months”, expands Reiman. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase from the website md3trio.com