Press release from Lake Junaluska Associates:
On August 2 and 3, the Lake Junaluska Associates invite all to attend a weekend of music, including the Lake Junaluska Singers in their final concert of the summer and accomplished vocalist and pianist Paul Saik.
Saik, previously an international opera artist, will perform in Stuart Auditorium on August 3.
The performance promises to be powerful, as Saik served as accompanist for the Lake Junaluska Singers in 2003. It was during that time that he decided to leave his life as an international artist and instead pursue a career of sharing his faith through music.
“The flood of memories will be absolutely unbelievable in my mind as I sit on that same piano bench and at that same piano that I did sixteen years ago,” said Saik. “It’s like sitting in your prayer room or your little chapel where God spoke to you.”
The performance will include music from throughout Saik’s journey, including Broadway hits from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables; Charles-Marie Widor on the organ; classical piano; and a variety of sacred music.
The weekend’s Friday evening concert will feature the Lake Junaluska Singers, Lake Junaluska’s celebrated 16-voice ensemble, as they give their final performance of the summer on August 2.
The performance’s theme is “An American Songbook,” featuring music from Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, Leonard Bernstein and more.
The selections also include Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” and “Jolene,” along with a set of pieces from Broadway hits Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Godspell.
“Growing up hearing my mother sing the music of Stephen Foster to me, such as ‘Camptown Races’ and ‘Oh! Susanna,’ it will be wonderful to have the opportunity to sing those beloved songs,” said Mary Huff, director of the Lake Junaluska Singers.
The concert weekend celebrates the 51st anniversary of the Lake Junaluska Associates, a fundraising and volunteer group at Lake Junaluska. Over the years, this group of individuals has invested more than $4.5 million into Lake Junaluska.
Each concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Stuart Auditorium. General admission tickets are available for $18 plus tax at the Bethea Welcome Center, online at lakejunaluska.com/concerts or by calling 800-965-9324. To learn more about the Lake Junaluska Associates and Associates Weekend visit lakejunaluska.com/associates.
Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. For more information about Lake Junaluska programs and events, visit lakejunaluska.com.
G day mate