Concerts at Saint Peter’s “A Circle of Friends”
Monday, September 21, 2026
Jim Selway, our Director of Music, shares his reflections on this weekend's Saint Peter's Concert, "A Circle of Friends." Join us Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. for an afternoon of instrumental and vocal music by Verdi, Gounod, Gershwin, and Brahms, performed by Jim's longtime friends and colleagues in the DC music community.
Concerts at Saint Peter's presents its fall concert, "A Circle of Friends", on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The program will feature instrumental and vocal works by Verdi, Gounod, Gershwin and Brahms!
Why "A Circle of Friends"? Years ago, Don and Kim Witman asked me to organize a fall concert. I reached out to longtime friends and colleagues in the music field inviting them to share their talents in an afternoon of music and community. I recalled a delightful novel by the Irish writer, Maeve Binchey, called "A Circle of Friends" and that title became a label for our concert tradition of gathering together for a delightful music afternoon.
Barbara Hollinshead, alto, sings frequently with the Washington Bach Consort and in many concert venues in the area. She is a well-known voice teacher, having taught many years at American University. She has also joined the Saint Peter's Choir frequently for special sessions of vocal coaching. In our September 27th concert, Barbara introduces us to her friends, Mary Gottlieb, pianist, and Risa Browder, violist, colleagues from American University and DC concert venues. I met Barbara several years ago at a choral workshop at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in North Arlington. She is also my vocal coach!
I have known Frank Conlon, pianist, since I began graduate work years ago at The Catholic University of America. Frank is my oldest friend and professional colleague in the DC area! My wife, Sonda Harnes, and I have sung High Holy Days at the temple where he is director of music, and the World Children's Choir, founded and conducted by Sondra, gave a memorable "packed house" concert at the church in DC where he is also director of music.
I met Matteo Mangialetti, pianist, at Ballet Nova, where he played for ballet classes. We not only participated in ballet classes together, at the barre, but Matteo was pianist and coach for our elementary and high school singers who participated in the summer program, "Singers Onstage!", sponsored by Harnes Selway Arts. And we are so fortunate at Saint Peter's to have Matteo on board as Associate Director of Music!
Matteo introduced tenor Émile Joseph Weeks to Saint Peter's audiences with several appearances as tenor soloist in our Messiah Sing-along. We are delighted to welcome Émile back for our "A Circle of Friends" event!
We are also honored to present our wonderful quartet of Saint Peter's Choir section leaders, Sophie Clark, Marjorie Sheiman, Jon DeHart, and David Maeng, who sing one of three gorgeous "Liebeslieder Waltzes" composed by Johannes Brahms.
Please join us for a welcoming and joyous concert!
Jim Selway
