What is Arts on the Square?
We are a committee of the church (we like to say "team") that presents each year a series of high-quality musical performances and visual arts exhibitions in one of the premier venues in the city. Using our beautiful and acoustically-enhanced sanctuary for music and the soaring space of our historic Geneva Hall for art, we share with our community the many gifts with which we have been blessed. Our series of international, national, and local artists and performers reveal the beauty and majesty of God through music and the arts.
Below is our line-up for the season 2024-2025. Follow us here and at www.facebook.com/artsonthesquareMSPC/ for updates on each performance or gallery exhibit as it approaches. There is something here for everyone -- from international organ and vocal stars to local photographers and artist. We have jazz, piano, and a silent film with organ accompaniment. Join us this season for Arts on the Square.
Sunday, December 22, 2024 4:00 p.m.
Carols by Candlelight
The famed 50-voice Sanctuary Choir of Market Square Church performs holiday favorites with a 28-piece orchestra and Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” with harpist Ruth Landis Hunter. For the first time, the orchestra will play solo, performing the classic “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. Tyler A. Canonico-Dilley, conductor and artistic director. Ethan J. Draper, organ. The audience joins in welcoming the Christmas season with carols and candle lighting, a Harrisburg tradition. Free-will offering. Sponsored by The Carole DeSoto Foundation and Dr. and Mrs. William Murray. Complimentary parking in the adjacent Market Square Garage. Enter the church from the first parking level. Pedestrians use Event Entrance on Second Street. Visit “An Eclectic Mix,” works by Barbara Passeri-Warfel, in Art Gallery following the program. For more information, contact arts@marketsquarechurch.org.
Sunday, February 16, 2025 4:00 p.m.
APOLLO5
Renowned for their commanding vocals and unique sound, this critically acclaimed British vocal ensemble demonstrates how impressive five voices alone can be, showcasing jazz, pop, classical, and early sacred music. As part of the VOCES8 Foundation and operating from the VOCES8 Centre in the heart of London, APOLLO5 is committed to sharing the joy of music far and wide. Tickets: $40 Preferred Seating; $30 General Seating; $15 Student (ID required). Purchase tickets in advance at https://aots-apollo5.eventbrite.com or at the door.
Sunday, April 6, 2025 4:00 p.m.
Junghoon Park, piano
Junghoon Park, a graduate of the University of Maryland, is an award-winning pianist whose diverse repertoire has won him recognition at prestigious competitions and piano festivals. As part of the Maryland State Arts Council’s touring roster, he brings to life works of Bach, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin on the church’s recently restored Steinway concert grand. Suggested donation $15.
Friday, May 16, 2025 7:00 p.m.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Jason Roberts, organ
The 1923 silent film classic tells the story of the beautiful Gypsy girl Esmeralda and the grotesque bellringer Quasimodo at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. New York City organist Jason Roberts is one of the few organists today who can master all the theatrical sounds of a pipe organ to bring cinematic drama to life. This is almost a lost art in our day. You may never have this chance again! Tickets: $10 general, $5 student (ID required) may be purchased in advance at https://aots-hunchback.eventbrite.com or at the door.
ARTS ON THE SQUARE GALLERY
The Arts on the Square Gallery presents local artists, members, and friends working in a variety of media. Each exhibition opens in historic Geneva Hall of Market Square Church with a public reception where you can view the art, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments. The Gallery is open following concerts sponsored by Arts on the Square. Beth Hager is Gallery Coordinator and may be contacted at bahager@earthlink.net. Sponsored by John K. Robinson in memory of Rachel Robinson Bair.
Sunday, September 29, 2024 – Sunday, December 29, 2024
Barbara Passeri-Warfel is a noted painter and fiber artist based in New Cumberland, Pa.
Sunday, January 19 – Sunday, March 9, 2025
Joint photography exhibition by Market Square Church members Susan Hoover and Ron Poorman.
Gallery Opening and Reception: Sunday, January 19, 2025 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
“Our Core Values in Art,” a special group invitational exhibition featuring works reflecting the congregation’s core values (Faith, Community, Compassion, Justice, Service) in a variety of media by Market Square Church members and friends. Members are encouraged to submit artwork to the Gallery Coordinator.
Gallery Opening and Reception: Sunday, March 16, 2025 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
