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Premiere of Andrew Bergeron’s Passion According to St. John with Kathryn Stieler, soprano APRIL 10, 2009 7:00 PM Bethlehem Church Sanctuary Grand Rapids’ own Andrew Bergeron premiers his newest Passion Setting for a Good Friday service of readings and music featuring the Folias Chamber Ensemble and guest soloist, soprano Kathryn Stieler. Andrew Bergeron received his Master of Music in composition at Michigan State University School of Music where he was recipient of the “Paul Harder Composition Scholarship.” Mr. Bergeron’s music has been performed by the contemporary music ensemble at Michigan State University Musique 21 including his chamber work Once More (2003) and his prize winning guitar concerto Big Bend (2005) which placed first in the Michigan State University Concert Competition in 2004 and was premiered by Andrew Bergeron on solo guitar with Musique 21. Andrew Bergeron’s electronic music work, “Coming Home” was chosen to be played at the Electronic Music Midwest Festival on October 21, 2005 (www.emmfestival.org). His tango arrangements of Piazzolla’s Milonga del angel for solo flute, solo guitar and strings was premiered by Folias with the Alma Symphony in February 2007. Andrew Bergeron’s most recent premier was his setting of the Passion of Christ According to St. Luke which was performed by Folias and a chamber ensemble in Grand Rapids, MI on April 1, 2007 at Bethlehem Church. Andrew is a founding performer and composer with the Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet which performs Mr. Bergeron’s new works and arrangements throughout West Michigan. Andrew Bergeron has been a Blue Griffin Recording artist since 2004 and will release his third CD with Folias in 2008. Kathryn Stieler, soprano, lights up the operatic and musical theatre stage, as well as the concert platform. Her versatility as a performer includes operatic roles such as Pamina in Die Zauberfl¿te, Cinderella in Cendrillon, Kathie in Student Prince, Marenka in The Bartered Bride, and the Countess in Le Nozze of Figaro. Musical theatre roles include Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Laurie in Oklahoma, Marian in Music Man, Maria in Sound of Music, and Nellie in South Pacific. She has premiered three 21st century works by St. Louis electronic musical artist, James Hegarty, as well as a New York City premiere of a work by Jewish composer, Bonia Shur. She has made solo appearances with the Acad¿mie Francis Poulenc (Tours, France), Detroit Oratorio Society, Toledo Symphony, Toledo Choral Society, Kalamazoo Music Society, Cincinnati College-Conservatory Philharmonia Orchestra, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, Wall Street Trinity Episcopal Choir, Mennonite Choral Society of Indiana, and the St. Louis American Kantorei, with whom she most recently served as principal soprano soloist. Ms. Stieler has served as a graduate teaching assistant at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a regular adjudicator for the Milder Musical Arts Center in St. Louis, and as a teaching artist for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis http://www.foliasmusic.com/ Kathyrn Stieler's Information Online   Art Showing: Julie Quinn Julie Quinn has lived in Grand Rapids for almost 30 years. She was born in Japan and within her work there is an ‘Eastern’ or ‘Asian’ influence from childhood memories. Julie has developed a unique technique and artistic language on clay board that allows her to reveal a spiritual dimension within each painting. Many of the calligraphic marks are prayers that reflect questions, concerns, and praises in her life. The final surface is infused with creative expression. Many viewers notice the "calligraphy" -- the ink markings that appear in most of my paintings. They want to know "What is it?" or "What does it mean?" Prayer language. The best way I can explain these marks is... it is my prayer language. It is the very first step in each painting. It is my dialogue with my Heavenly Father.Julie Quinn, Spiritual Abstract Artist Fear and doubt. I first started showing this work around 2001. This was a scary time for me. I had not seen anything like it and did not know how others would respond. Vulnerability. My painting represents a very private place I go with Him. Showing the work made me feel vulnerable. But He has asked me to share it, and so I do...with joy. I watch in wonder and gratitude as God ministers to people over and over again through this artwork. Playtime. The rest of each painting -- the color, the movement, the design -- that's playtime! My time in the studio is pure joy. Early influences. I was born in Japan. And though I lived there only a few years, I see an ‘Eastern’ influence in my work... even though it is not something I do intentionally. A lifetime of influences. Before I started painting, I worked as a medical social worker for many years. The joys and sorrows that we all share have also influenced my work. Blessings... I hope you will find something here that touches your soul. I pray that you also will hear His voice in a very intimate way... and be blessed. http://juliequinnart.com/