St. Andrew’s Place is hosting a concert May 13 celebrating the construction of the church and housing unit 50 years ago.
The concert, which starts at 6:30 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary, will feature the renowned Penderecki String Quartet.
Sudbury’s Bel Canto Chorus will join the Penderecki for several numbers. A presentation precedes the concert, and a reception follows.
The Penderecki String Quartet began their career as winners of the Penderecki Prize at the National Chamber Music Competition in Łódz, Poland in 1986. Now based in Waterloo, Ontario, where they have been Quartet-in-Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University since 1991, the Penderecki String Quartet has become one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles of their generation.
Jeremy Bell, one of the quartet members, grew up in Sudbury studying music with Metro and Mary Kozak and attending St. Andrew’s United Church where his father Don Bell was then the minister.
Fifty years ago, in 1974, St. Andrew’s United Church learned it would need to tear down and rebuild.
A bold vision developed for a multi-purpose “Place” that would house St. Andrew’s United Church, provide affordable housing to seniors in the downtown, and be a top-notch venue for community events.
“St. Andrew’s Place is a success story,” said St. Andrew’s board president Scott Darling.
“The church itself contributes considerably to community outreach in the downtown. The building houses 148 apartments for seniors, always at full occupancy, and is the home of Réseau Access Network and several commercial tenants such as Kuppajo’s. The sanctuary is a sought-after setting for concerts and events and has state-of-the-art technology. We have other rental spaces for large and small gatherings, including a boardroom with a rooftop terrace, a large lounge, an activity hall, and the Huntington University Peace Chapel. Our complex is a vibrant community hub. The St. Andrew’s family is excited to have Jeremy return to perform at our anniversary celebration.”
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the St. Andrew’s Place Office, 111 Larch Street (phone 705-675-5303, ext. 200 to arrange pickup) or at the Sudbury Theatre Centre Box Office for cash only purchases.
