Sublime Art in a Sacred Space

Second Series: Sublime Art in a Sacred Space – the Backstory

When Second Reformed Church undertook the “Deep and Wide” Capital Campaign, it included improvements to the Reuter Organ and a revision of the Chancel in the sanctuary. In the original layout of the chancel were fixed pews, immovable pulpit and lectern, a stationery organ console, and a solid half-wall to delineate the choir area. There was very little floor space to allow for instrumental ensembles, sacred dancers, or even the piano.

We envisioned an open floor space, on which we could place movable sacred furnishings, organ and piano, and choir chairs, in flexible more accommodating arrangements, adaptable to different needs and more diverse purposes. We sought to preserve the sacred character of the space, while improving the acoustics and opening an enlarged chancel floor to more versatile usage.

To celebrate the completion of the project, we instituted a recital series to welcome various performers into the new space and to share the facilities with the community. “Second Series: Sublime Art in a Sacred Space” was created in the fall of 2018, and continues on.

2026-2027 Season

September 20, 2026 – 4:00 pm    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Dr. Peter Kurdziel, Organ (https://www.sjegh.com/staff-clergy)

October 11, 2026 – 4:00 pm  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Caitlin Kramer, Oboe (https://www.caitlinkrameroboe.com/)

November 8, 2026 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Gary LaCroix, Piano (a variety of genres and improvisations)

November 29, 2026 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Advent Carol Sing (featuring SRC musicians)

January 17, 2027 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Alan Chiang, Bach Piano

February 7, 2027 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Mercedes Trio (featuring Paulina Zamora, piano | Liliana Mahave, violin | Pablo Mahave-Veglia, cello)

March 7, 2027 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
West African Drumming & Grand Rapids Youth Chorus (directed by Leah Ivory)
https://gryouthchorus.org/

April 18, 2027 – 4:00 pm   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
In Bloom: A Celebration of the Arts (featuring SRC musicians & artists)

May 2, 2027 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Gold N Trumpets (https://goldntrumpets.com/)