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10/01/2019 03:36 PMAs part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the St. Alexis Orthodox Church is hosting an evening of Russian music by the group Lyra, the Russian Vocal Ensemble of St. Petersburg, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Andrews Memorial Town Hall.
Stasia PenkoffLidbeck is a St. Alexis parishioner who volunteered to coordinate the performance. PenkoffLidbeck said that she has been a fan of Lyra for several years now.
“I was told that about seven or eight years ago they performed at St. Ann’s in Old Lyme and friends called me to go and they were great,” PenkoffLidbeck said.
PenkoffLidbeck said she had been contacting the group for about a year and a half to try and organize the performance, which she said is the capstone event of the church’s 25th year anniversary.
Lyra will be perform music in the style of the Russian Orthodox Church and traditional Russian folk music, which PenkoffLidbeck said is all a capella and features lots of chanting.
While St. Alexis is not a Russian Orthodox church, PenkoffLidbeck said that she knows some people in the community, like herself, have Russian roots and may be interested in the performance. Additionally, PenkoffLidbeck said that people of older generations may remember a time when Russia was closed off to the world, and this event could be an opportunity learn more about another culture.
“It’s a chance to see something different. It’s the kind of music you want to close your eyes and just listen to,” PenkoffLidbeck said.
After the show, there will be refreshments and a service at St. Alexis, 108 East Main Street.
Recently, Clinton has made an effort to promote the various artistic endeavors that occur in town. Over the last year the town has declared an official arts district and started an arts council to try and raise awareness and increase attendance for the different events that occur in town.
PenkoffLidbeck stressed that even though the concert is a celebration of St. Alexis Church’s 25th anniversary, the concert is open to the general public and anyone interested.
“I think it’s a really great event and people will like it. We’re welcoming and hoping that as many people come as possible,” PenkoffLidbeck said.
Lyra, the Russian Vocal Ensemble of St. Petersburg, performs at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street. Tickets, $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for student groups, (children aged 12 and under enter free)can be purchased at the door or at stalexischurch.ticketleap.com/lyra-concert. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local organizations in need. For more information, call 860-664-9434.