Parish Office Telephone No. (914) 949-2874   Fax No. (914) 949-1202 Grace Episcopal Church / La Gracia 33 Church Street, White Plains, NY 10601 Monday to Friday 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM   Clergy and Staff   The Rev. Judith Lee, Interim Rector The Rev. Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest, ext. 14  The Rev. Deacon Martha Jane Dunphy, Deacon Ms. Maria Campos, Secretary, ext. 10, mcampos@gracechurchwhiteplains.org Mr. Peter Roberts, Director of Music, ext 18 Mr. Arturo Ortiz, Director of Music, La Gracia Ms. Marilyn Castillo, Vocalist, La Gracia Mr. Taurino Juarez, Sexton, ext.13   Vestry Members   Joseph Gallo - Sr. Warden Malik Bradford - Jr. Warden Hilary Fleming - Treasurer Sorraya Sampson Elliot - Clerk   Malik Bradford, Sorraya Sampson Elliot,  Hilary Fleming, Karen Odom, Marisol Ortega, Amy Auld Owens, Michael Heffner, Charlotte Roberson, Daisy Calderon, Trisha McGuinness

The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2018 Our liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 355. Prelude Sleepers Awake! A voice astounds us J.S. Bach Please stand. Hymn #54 Savior of the nations, come The Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. The Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Song of Praise The Song of Mary . Collect of the Day Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.. Amen. Please be seated. THE WORD OF GOD The First Reading A Reading from the Prophet Malachi [3:1-4] See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. The Song of Zechariah [Luke 1: 68-79] Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace. The Second Lesson: The Epistle A Reading from the Letter to the Philippians [1:3-11] I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand. Hymn #75 There’s a voice in the wilderness crying The Gospel: The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Luke [3:1-6] Response: Glory to You Lord Christ. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" The Gospel of the Lord Praise to You Lord Christ. Please be seated. The Sermon The Rev. Adolfo Moronta Please stand. The Nicene Creed BCP 358 Prayers of the People Priest: As we keep awake for the coming of the Lord, let us pray for the church and the world, that God may prepare a light for our path: Intercessor: We give thanks for gathering us together in this community; grant your church a listening spirit and a watchful eye that we may make good use of this holy time and bear witness to your presence hidden among us. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming We give thanks for the resources you have given our nation; grant us wisdom to share them generously and to be the light in darkness for all who are hungry in body, mind, and soul. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Grant that our leaders and the leaders of all nations use their powers wisely and compassionately. Strengthen those who are struggling for justice and stability throughout the world. Guide us toward the unity, peace, and freedom that we find only in you. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming. Comfort those who are separated from their loved ones during this holiday season. Watch over those who are travelling, and those who have nowhere to go. Shelter the homeless and guide those who are lost. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Give your healing grace to those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially those for whom the holiday season is a time of loss, and those we now name, silently or aloud. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Watch over our children, that they may know the peace, as well as the excitement, of your presence. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Gather into your joyful presence those who have died especially those whom we now name, silently or aloud . . . [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming. Priest: O Rising Sun, brightness of light eternal, sun of justice, come and shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Glory to you forever. Amen. The Confession BCP 360 The Peace Announcements Anthem The Glory of the Lord Handel And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it Together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. [Isaiah 40:5] Hymn #65 Prepare the way, O Zion THE HOLY COMMUNION Celebrant The Lord be with you Response And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts Response We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Response It is right to give God our thanks and praise We praise you and we thank you, O holy and living God, Creator of heaven and earth, for the gift of a world full of wonder and for our life, which comes from you. By your power you sustain the universe; through Jesus Christ you gather us into one great family. Therefore with all who serve you on earth and in heaven, we praise your wonderful name as we sing: Sanctus Missa Marialis Holy, holy, holy Lord. God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of our Lord. Hosanna in the highest. O God, from before time you made ready the creation. Through your Wisdom, your Spirit moved over the deep and brought to birth the heavens: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; growing things, both plants and animals; and finally humankind. You made us in your image, male and female, to love and care for the earth and its creatures as you love and care for us, your children. You graced us with freedom of heart and mind, but we were heedless and willful. You took us by the hand, and taught us to walk in your ways. And although you led us with cords of compassion and bands of love, we wandered far away. Yet as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. Then you acted anew in Creation. In order that we might see and know the riches of your grace, your Spirit entered into Mary, the maiden of Nazareth, that she might conceive and bear a Son, the holy child of God. The world had waited long in pain and hope, and at last our Savior came to birth, fulfilling the promise of the reign of God in love. Living among us, Jesus loved us. He yearned to draw all the world to himself, yet we would not. We were heedless of his call to walk in love. At last the time came for him to make the sacrifice of himself, and to be glorified by you. On the night before he died, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again he gave thanks to you, and gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. As we gather to share the bread and the cup, we remember his loving gift to us: We remember his death on the cross, We proclaim the resurrection to new life, We await the return of Christ in glory. And we join together in the love of Christ to give thanks and praise to you, our God. Here at this table, we offer to you all that you have made: this bread and this cup, our time and our selves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your love and your blessing on all we offer here. Breathe your Spirit onto these gifts of bread and wine, to make of them the Body and Blood of Christ. Let your Spirit who broods over the whole creation dwell within us. Gather us to be your holy people, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made. Draw us, O God, to your heart at the heart of the world. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. AMEN. As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, The Lord’s Prayer At the Breaking of the Bread The priest breaks the consecrated Bread. After a brief silence, all say together: We are one bread, one body. We love one another as Christ loves us. Agnus Dei Missa Marialis O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace. The Gifts of God for the People of God. The Holy Communion You are invited and welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Anthem Carol of the Advent Hymn #67 Comfort, comfort ye my people The Prayer of Thanksgiving: Celebrant: Let us pray We have heard your word, O God, and we have broken bread together. May this be a sign for us that you are very near, that we are your people, nourished and loved by you. Never forsake us, but be the light around us and our firm ground; and even more be our future, our father, today and forever. Amen. The Sending forth of the Eucharistic Visitors: In the name of this congregation I send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood. We who are many are one body because we share one bread, one cup. Amen. The Blessing May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen Hymn #76 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry Dismissal Postlude Savior of the nations come Böhm ________________________________________ Celebrant & Preacher The Rev Adolfo Moronta Assisting Priest The Rev. Dr. Judith Lee Organist Peter Roberts Lectors 8AM Mary Baker, Ella Fitzgerald 10AM Marie Barrow, Ginger Waters Intercessor: Jean Wilson Eucharistic Ministers 8AM Brinda Bradley 10AM Ray Williams, Lauren Reid Acolytes 10AM Jean Chambers, Sam Brown, Jordan Acevedo, Kaylee Owens, Cameron Owens, Mirna Sanchez Ushers 10AM Lisa Daley, Hillary Fleming, Ginger Walters, Paxton Louis Olivet Williams Eucharistic Visitors Judith Hutton, Cecilia Peagler, Marie Barrow Nursery Care is available during the 10:00 AM service. Vestry Greeter Karen Odom Coffee Hour Hosts: Jim Brown and Cynthia Sangurima and Family Assistant Sylvia Simon ________________________________________If you are visiting with us for the first time, we welcome you to Grace Church! Our liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer. Our communion is open to all baptized Christians. Please take the time to fill out one of our visitor cards which the ushers have available. Your presence is a blessing to us; may our worship together be a blessing to you. ________________________________________ Grace Church Prayer List: We hold the following people in prayer: Corine Bradley, Norene Bueti, Bernice Burton, Cynthia Cole, Cindy Courtien, Inez Dale, Jimmy Delaney, Carol DiGilio, Vincent Doria, Bill Dunphy, Cathy Dunphy, Deacon Edgar Ervin, Sandra Esannason, Lydia Green, Kristopher Hambas, The Hambas Family. Biff Henderson, Kate Hedstrom, The Hite Family, Sylvia Howard, William Jackson, Jr., Jackie Jansky, Ivy John, Evgeniy Kaufman, Manoris Long, Paxton Louis, Gail and Dave Matthew, Trisha McGuinness, Janice Moore, Giovanna Mustac, Selena Perry, Gladstone Reid, Leroy Reid, Renee Reid, Uriel Reid, Thomas Russo, Phil Sawyer, Marilyn Seimia, Norman Stanton, Susan Stanton, Laura Stix, Barbara Vigliotti, Stacey Vitale, Natasha Vodyanitskaya, The Walsh Family, Emma Wainwright, Marthe Watkins Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: Verna Brown Cedar Manor, Ossining: Robert Auld Sarah Neuman Home, Mamaroneck: Nellie King Serving in the Armed Forces: Kenny Duffy, Denny J. Edmondson, Christopher P. Halstead, David Packer, Sgt. Christopher Vigliotti, Gunnery Sgt. Les Yearwood. Please call the Parish Office or contact Sandy Gadsden McAllister if you would like to place someone’s name on our prayer list Birthdays December 9th Cynthia R. Cole, Cynthia Sangurima, Camille Worell December 10th Maria L. Lewis, Yvonne Scarborough December 11th Donna M. Graves December 13th Lyris Cooper December 14th Monte A. Suber, Jonah S. Smith, Ramona Williams Announcements for the Week of December 9th THIS WEEK AT GRACE Tuesday- December 11th 12:05 PM Holy Eucharist in the Chapel 7:00 PM The Book Club – Library 8:30 PM Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration Wednesday- December 12th 12:10 PM Downtown Music at Grace 6:30 PM Labyrinth in the Parish Hall 7:30 PM Bible Study in the Library Thursday- December 13th 12:05 PM Holy Eucharist in the Chapel 7:30 PM Santa Eucaristía in the Church Saturday December 15th 4:00 PM Caroling in the Churchyard What’s New: Stewardship Campaign update: As of December 2nd: Total number of pledges (Grace & La Gracia): 168 Total pledge amount (Grace & La Gracia): $263,477.40 THANK YOU to Nate Hogan for overseeing the installation of new windows at the Rectory. The second major project has been completed. THANK YOU to Bill and Barbara Biles for underwriting the cost of the Jazz Vespers held at Grace Church on December 8th. THANK YOU to Linda Gallo for organizing our food for the Day of Renewal on December 1st. THANK YOU to Arlene Grant and Daisy Calderon for assisting Linda, and to Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Karen Odom, Amy Owens, Hillary Fleming, Marisol Ortega, Joe Gallo and Michael Heffner for helping with facilitating the group discussions and with other logistics of the day. THANK YOU to Maria Lewis for the gift of the Labyrinth. It was an important part of our Day of Renewal, and it will be available to us and to other groups for meditation. This Week: Sundays at 9:00-9:30 AM – Informal Bible Study in the Library Youth Ministries: Sunday School, Rite 13 & J2A: 10 AM All Classes meet: Classes will meet on December 9th and 23rd. Family Service on December 16th. Family Service with Pageant on Christmas Eve at 4 PM. The focus of our classes this month will be preparing for the Christmas Pageant. Michael Heffner and George O'Hanlon will coordinate preparations, and the members of the 2018 Confirmation Class and J2A will lead the rehearsals. There is a role for everyone! We welcome the participation of every family. Watch for more news Bible Study: 7:30 PM Wednesdays in Advent: December 5,12, & 19. The Labyrinth will be set up on the Parish Hall for Meditation 6:30-7:30 on Wednesdays. Book Club Update: Tuesday December 11th at 7PM Next on our agenda – We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride We will meet in the Library. Interested in the Book Club? Contact Karen Odom at karenodom@yahoo.com Tuesday December 11th - 8:30 PM Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -This is a major annual festival in the Latino community and at Grace/La Gracia. (Last year, almost 300 people attended the service and dinner!) Everyone is welcome to join in any or all the celebration. We will process from the Parish Hall to the Church at 8:30 PM, and the festival ends with prayers at midnight. Saturday, December 15th - 4PM Caroling at Grace Church Please join us for informal caroling in front of Grace Church on Saturday, December 15th at 4pm. We encourage you bring your family and friends. Hot beverages will be served. The signup sheet is on the bulletin board next to the Parish Hall. For more information please contact Walter Simon. ECW RAFFLE ECW has started selling raffle tickets for two holiday baskets. Tickets are six for $5.00 sold during Coffee Hour. Drawing held Sunday, December 23rd. The proceeds are going towards Samaritan House Gift Cards. Our next ECW Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 16th at 11:45 AM in the library LET'S BE SURE TO GIVE THEM A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! As part of Grace Church's generosity and commitment to our brothers and sisters in Westchester County, Lifting Westchester is requesting our annual thoughtfulness in providing a $25 gift card to place in grocery bags. As of last Sunday, parishioners have provided for 11 gift cards. Last year, we filled 55 bags with gift cards. We are just two Sundays away from matching last year's gifts. We have only two Sundays to do so--this week and next Sunday, December 9th. As a parish, we have been very generous in providing these gift cards to help over 300 families who receive the gift of personal food choices before Christmas from Lifting Up Westchester. Please give what you can in the form of a gift card (generic, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Target), cash or check (made to Lifting Up Westchester). Collection will be on Sunday's between 9-9:45 AM and after the 10:00 AM service in the Parish Hall. Questions? Please speak with Linda Gallo. Thanks! TOYS FOR THE CHILDREN OF GRACE/LA GRACIA – Every year La Gracia distributes toys to children on January 6th., the Feast of Epiphany/Three Kings Sunday. This year, we will distribute gifts to all our children – in the morning and in the afternoon. Please see Fr. Adolfo about ways you can contribute toys or financial donations for this tradition. Thank you. December 30th: One bi-lingual service at 11:00 AM. On Mother Judith’s last Sunday, we will gather for worship, celebration, and fellowship. Looking Ahead: Advent and Christmastide at Grace / La Gracia Saturday December 8th 9 AM-3 PM Latino Ministries Retreat hosted by Grace/La Gracia 3 PM – 7 PM Santa’s Workshop hosted by J2A 5 PM Blue Christmas Jazz Vespers with the Alex Auld and the NYSB Quartet Sunday December 9th Second Sunday of Advent Tuesday, December 11th 8:30PM -Midnight Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe Saturday, December 15th 4PM Informal Caroling in front of Grace Church Sunday December 16th Third Sunday of Advent 10 AM Family Service 11:30 AM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 4 PM Advent Service of Lessons and Carols Saturday December 22nd 7PM Las Posadas Navideñas– In Parish Hall Sunday December 23rd Fourth Sunday of Advent ECW Raffle Drawing 11:30 AM – Christmas Pageant Rehearsal December 24th Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord 2:30 PM Pageant participants arrive; lunch provided 4:00 PM Family Service with Christmas Pageant 7:00 PM Fiesta de la Natividad de Nuestro Señor 10:00 PM Festive Service of Holy Eucharist December 30th 11:00 AM Bilingual Service Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (transferred) Mother Judith’s last Sunday December 31st 11 PM – Midnight The church will be open for private prayers. January 6th Feast of the Epiphany / Three Kings Sunday General Information: Elections: Annual Parish Meeting: January 27, 2019 Positions open for Election: Junior Warden: (Michael Heffner was appointed by the Vestry to serve until the 2019 Annual Parish Meeting) Vestry: One 2-year term (Michael Heffner’s seat) Four 3-year terms (Expiring terms: Irene Alves, Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Karen Odom, Amy Auld Owens) Qualifications for serving on Vestry 1) Must be a pledging member of Grace/La Gracia for at least 24 months. 2) Must be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church 3) Must attend service regularly. 4) Must be able to attend the Vestry meetings regularly (currently scheduled on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.) Qualifications for voting [By Laws: Section 4. Qualifications for Voting] Persons of the age of 18 years or more who have been baptized, are communicants of the Episcopal Church, belong to the Parish, are regular attendants of its worship and have contributed to its support for at least twelve (12) months prior to the Annual Election or Special Meeting at which they are in attendance, shall be qualified to vote. For the January 2019 election, eligible voters must have pledged for both 2018 and 2019. Records will be updated before January 15, 2019. Marisol Ortega will be chair of the Nominating Committee this year.   The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche, Bishop The Right Reverend Allen Kunho Shin, Bishop Suffragan The Right Reverend Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop The Reverend Dr. Judith Lee, Interim Pastor The Reverend Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest Peter Roberts, Director of Music of Grace Church Juan Carlos Abreu, Director of Music of La Gracia Donna Louis, Youth Ministry Coordinator Maria Campos, Secretary Taurino Juárez, Sexton The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2018 33 Church Street White Plains, New York 10601 914-949-2874 www.gracewhiteplains.org VESTRY Joseph C. Gallo, Senior. Warden Michael Heffner, Junior Warden Hillary Fleming, Treasurer Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Clerk Class of 2018: Irene Alves, Karen Odom, Amy Auld Owens, Sorraya Sampson Elliott Class of 2019: Trisha McGuinness, Marisol Ortega, Charlotte Roberson Class of 2020: Daisy Calderon, Hillary Fleming Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God’s love in Christ through our life together and our service to the wider community. All are welcome.

The Winter 2018/2019 Angelus

Restoring hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support– and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. Vision Statement Lifting Up Westchester respects the dignity and full potential of every individual. We assist those struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education. We work with men, women and children as they create their own unique path to a more fulfilling, healthy and independent life. Striving to never turn anyone away, we enlist the generosity of a caring community through donations and volunteerism. https://www.liftingupwestchester.org/our-mission-vision/

Clips from Recent Concerts - 2016/2017 Season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUm1TV3BnaE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWohxaB6yDQ&feature=em-subs_digest About DTMusic http://dtmusic.org/ Downtown Music at Grace is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the heart of White Plains, NY, a small city located a half hour north of New York City. Downtown Music was founded in 1988 by Timothy Lewis, Music Director and Organist of Grace Church. The mission of Downtown Music is to provide an oasis of art and culture in the heart of White Plains. The organization's current programs include Noonday Getaway Concerts, half- hour concerts taking place on Wednesdays at noon; Weekend Discoveries , which are full length concerts taking place on Sunday afternoons or Saturday evenings; Concerts on Tour, our outreach program consisting of 30+ concerts annually in nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers; and Downtown Music’s Arts-In-Education Program, a series of three concerts specially designed for schoolchildren in grades K-12. Downtown Music’s roster of artists features high-quality professional musicians who enjoy the opportunity to make music in an intimate, beautiful setting. Many of our artists have performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and major international venues. Resident Ensembles Our three resident ensembles enable Downtown Music to offer a more diverse program of music. Downtown Sinfonietta is composed of professional musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and other major New York ensembles, and performs several concerts throughout the season. Downtown Music Chorus features 16 professional singers, drawn from the ranks of New York’s finest choirs. West Point Brass, a small ensemble of eight players, is called on for special celebratory performances throughout the season. Guest Artists Downtown Music provides a prestigious showcase for professional musicians, 70% of whom return often to perform. Guest artists include internationally-recognized artists and local professional performers across a wide spectrum of musical talent. Noted for its diversity of programming, Downtown Music stars have included Mariachi Real de Mexico, the Voices of Ascension, several members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as well as jazz great Jay Hoggard.