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09/20/2022 11:38 AMThe First Congregational Church of Madison will be featuring the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on Friday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m., as part of their music outreach programming. The band last played in Madison pre-pandemic, and Church officials are very excited about this incredible band’s return, according to Director of Music Ministry, Nathan Bayreuther.
Bayreuther leads the First Congregational Church of Madison’s Music at the Meetinghouse concert series, which is a community outreach program run by the church solely to bring a diverse and interesting array of performers to Madison residents.
“I’m a big jazz fan and the Madison community really seems to respond to the jazz events that we have here. We had the Glenn Miller Orchestra here before and it was a phenomenal concert,” said Bayreuther. “The Church was packed people were dancing in the aisles. It was wonderful. The sound that the orchestra has is simply timeless. You can’t beat it. People really love that sound and really respond to it. It was great to see the Church so packed, and we sure hope we can pack it again this time.”
According to Bayreuther, its important for the Church to promote community events regardless of anyone’s chosen faith.
“This is certainly one big way we can get people together in a really fun and enjoyable setting where they can sit back and listen to some phenomenal music,” said Bayreuther. “My position here is a full-time position that encompasses musical outreach and so this show falls right into that. Since 1989, music has been part of the Church’s life and outreach. There have been a number of groups that we host simply to provide an evening of fun for our community.”
Legendary trombonist Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders in the Swing Era of the 1930s and ‘40s. During that time was arguably the most famous and beloved musician in America. A string of hit records, the impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power of his music, built and sustained Miller’s momentum of popularity long after his passing.
Miller, like many sports and entertainment stars of that era, joined the Allied war effort. On Dec. 15 1944, Major Miller was headed to Europe, where his band was scheduled to play in what had now become Free France when he and his plane disappeared over the English Channel. Though the exact cause of his disappearance has never been determined, there is strong evidence that returning allied aircraft that were releasing unused and unexploded ordnance from their aircraft as they were preparing to land back in England accidentally hit Miller’s aircraft killing all onboard.
Today, the 18-member ensemble, under the direction of vocalist Nick Hilscher, continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements. Just as it was in Miller’s day, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is still the most sought after big band in the world. The band still uses the actual original charts provided by orchestra, according to Bayreuther, which means that concert goers will hear Miller’s music played with its original intent and skill.
Bayreuther, said the Church offers a wide variety of musical events throughout the year and encouraged residents to visit their website to find out more details about their presentations.
Tickets are now on sale, and general admission is $35. Seating in the two front rows is $95, and the next two rows are $65. All balcony seats, except the inner perimeter, have limited viewing and are $20.
For more information or to purcahse tickets, visit fccmadison.org or call 203-245-2739, ext. 14.