The Opera Philadelphia Chorus performed classic and new works in three Philadelphia churches with historic pipe organs in Organ Stops , a freeto-watch program on the Opera Philadelphia Channel . Photo : Rec . Today
Sharing Space during Social Distancing
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In all the neighborhoods where we gather to play music , many people came out to listen to us and support us . That let me realize performing arts brought [ people ] closer … even in the worst of times during a health crisis . — Luigi Mazzocchi , Artcinia Artistic Director
P artners helped sacred places find creative new ways to share their physical assets in the last year , including as hosts to the performing arts . Many of the characteristics of sacred places make them excellent sites for music , theater , and dance , including large gathering spaces , good acoustics , wood floors , lighting , and sound equipment . Physical distancing during COVID-19 forced congregations to consider new ways their physical spaces — including outdoor spaces — could serve their communities .
One exciting project to come from the past year is a partnership between Partners and Opera Philadelphia on “ Organ Stops ”, a series of concerts featuring the Opera Philadelphia Chorus and pipe organs in the city ’ s historic sacred places . Performances were recorded at three churches in the city : Manayunk ' s St . John the Baptist
Church , Wharton-Wesley United Methodist Church in Cobbs Creek , and St . Luke ' s Episcopal Church in Germantown . Each program paired traditional opera choruses with newer works for chorus and organ , interspersed stories of these pipe organs and neighborhood churches , and highlighted the importance of making and sharing beautiful music .
In addition to a partnership with Opera Philadelphia , highlights of Partners ’ space sharing work last year included ongoing training and support for 25 dance makers in Manhattan and Brooklyn , and a partnership with Artcinia , a Philadelphia-based organization . Artcinia began providing high-quality , community-informed musical performances during COVID-19 . Partners worked with Artcinia ’ s co-founder , Anne Schoemaker , to identify sacred places that could serve as venues , and provide recommendations on successfully producing performances . During its 2021 season , Artcinia presented 35 concerts and educational programs reaching over 1,600 people .
These partnerships are producing quality performances in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia and New York that brought people together at a time of social distancing .
SACRED VENUES FOR ARTCINIA ’ S 2021 SUMMER SEASON All sites in Philadelphia unless otherwise noted
Calvary St . Augustine Episcopal Church St . John the Baptist Church of St . James the Less St . Luke and the Epiphany Church of St . Martin-in-the-Fields First Presbyterian Church in Germantown Westminster Presbyterian Church ,
Wilmington , DE St . Mary ' s Episcopal Church , Ardmore , PA
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