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.

2025-2026

September 14, 2025 – 4:00 pm    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Holland Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet

October 12, 2025 – 4:00 pm  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Dufay’s Guys Vocal Ensemble (three vocalists singing Renaissance music around West Michigan)

November 9, 2025 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Grand Rapids String Quartet

November 30, 2025 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Advent Carol Sing (featuring SRC musicians)

January 18, 2026 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Dr. Julia Brown, organ

February 22, 2026 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Holland Symphony Orchestra Piano Trio

March 8, 2026 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Holland Bach Society (https://hollandbachsociety.org)

April 26, 2026 – 4:00 pm   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
West Michigan Children’s Choir (https://thewmcc.weebly.com/)

May 17, 2026 – 4:00 pm     .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Arunesh Nadgir, piano (https://w1.mtsu.edu/faculty/arunesh-nadgir)