The Augusta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is bringing back a hymn concert for a second year after its first run in 2023, and worshipful music from a variety of faith expressions will be performed for its audience.
A diversity of voices
The Community Hymn Festival is centered around the theme “God Is,” and aims to highlight the kaleidoscopic community and a variety of hymn genres that are sung within the CSRA.
“We wanted to bring a different range of style, of hymnody, because we have a diverse community in our area,” said Kathleen Cartledge, a board member with the Augusta Chapter.
While guests will hear the work of the Augusta Chapter of the AGO, along with performances by groups from Aiken and Augusta. There will also be a brass ensemble and performances by soloists Johnnie Felder and Melissa Schultz.
Extended community involvement
For Cartledge, bringing in other choral and performance groups is what makes this celebration of music stand out.
“That’s what makes [this event] special, we’re incorporating a lot of other people. We hope it not only enriches their lives…but it enriches our lives, to be making music with others who are an extension of our community who are not part of our day to day work in the chapter,” said Cartledge.
The Community Hymn Festival has been organized this year by AGO Augusta’s planning team, as well as its Sub-dean Christopher Leysath who is also the Director of Sanctuary Music at Grace United Methodist Church of North Augusta.
Event details
The event on Feb. 23 will begin at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Augusta.
