By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Arts on the Green offers members of Shrewsbury and neighboring communities an opportunity to enjoy music and cultural events. Throughout the year, there are a number of concerts and special programs like the International Drum Circle, the widely attended Caroling on the Common, featured pianists, vocalists and more. In its eighth season, Arts on the Green is a community outreach of the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury.
Malcolm Halliday is the artistic director of Arts on the Green Concert Series as well as the minister of music at the church. He is often seen performing or accompanying the featured performers on the organ or piano in addition to conducting.
Arts on the Green presents one or two events each month throughout the year. Most are free of charge with donations welcome and held at the church. There are two pipe organs; one of which is portable. These can be used as an accompanying instrument as well as a harpsichord and five octaves of hand bells.
“The primary thrust of the series has always been the presentation of concerts. They vary in genre and style from music events utilizing our Steinway in the sanctuary, bluegrass, classical, choral groups, vocal soloists, acoustic folk and rock groups, African dance and drumming, wind and brass players, string instruments, cultural events and more,” said Halliday.
While most of the events are held in the church, the Caroling on the Common takes place in the outdoor area with the gazebo on the town green, weather permitting.
“Our events are well-attended and there can be anywhere from 30 to 200 guests enjoying a performance. When we have an event that features an acoustic guitar, it’s great to be in a more intimate space like the chapel. The Caroling on the Common is our largest and most popular event and has drawn upwards of 300 people. It features the Worcester Brass Consort,” said Halliday.
The church has a large music ministry with many volunteers.
“It is a community outreach that is run under the auspices of the church which means that if people want to contribute to Arts on the Green they are able to get a tax deduction,” Halliday explained. “We do operate under the umbrella of a nonprofit. We get a lot of support from the Shrewsbury Local Cultural Council and have sometimes collaborated with the Shrewsbury Library on a couple of events.”
Arts on the Green operates on a lean budget. The church provides the use of its facility free of charge. In addition, Malcolm often accompanies a concert on the keyboard, as the pianist, organist and even conductor.
“This is another gift to the community and we take great pride in our programs and the ability to expose the arts to all. Happily, we are able to provide honorariums to all of the artists and organizations that participate on the series,” said Halliday.
There are many volunteers, corporate donors (sponsorship) and corporate underwriters. The Caroling on the Common event is currently underwritten by several local businesses to include Heald and Chiampa Funeral Home, Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union and Scizzors Hair Salon.
Upcoming events include the Master Singers of Worcester Holiday Concert Saturday, Dec. 17 and Caroling on the Common Friday, Dec. 23.
The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury is located at 19 Church Road in Shrewsbury.
