Local musicians to present afternoon of  “Our Favorite Things” in historic downtown church

In a free and open-to-all event, local musicians will perform “Our Favorite Things” in the Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, on Sunday Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. 

Karen Becker, pianist, Carla Fisk, soprano, and Derek Stannard, tenor, will perform music from musical theater, opera, artsong, and oratorio. Selections of the performance will include excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah,” Carlisle Floyd’s “Suzannah,” Dvořák’s “Rusalka,” Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” and others. 

“We love performing together, and we wanted to present a program of the music we love to sing and play,” said tenor Derek Stannard in a release. “And we would like to offer it up to the community as a gift for the holiday season. In addition to some of our more traditional repertoire, we will spruce things up with some Christmas favorites.”  

The performance will also include guest sopranos Ashley Manocchi of the Manhattan School of Music and Amanda Robie, an Opera Saratoga staff and alumni. 

“For many musicians, the holidays are a time of stress, numerous rehearsals, hectic schedules,” says pianist Karen Becker, “and we wanted to take the opportunity to enjoy ourselves, and share some great music with the community, family and friends.”

Parking for the event includes on-street parking or in the lot directly behind Bethesda, accessible from Congress Street. Parking in the lot is free for the first two hours but requires a credit card for entry.