The Arts at St. John's

03/03/2024

Thank you to Dr. John Benoit and the Vivo Chamber Orchestra for a wonderful evening of music and cinema! (Photo is from Professor Benoit's insightful pre-concert talk).

03/02/2024

Vivo Chamber Orchestra is in rehearsal tonight getting ready for tomorrow's performance! Come over to St. John's for a screening two silent movie era films: D.W. Griffeth's, "The Mothering Heart," and Charlie Chaplin's, "The Rink."
Dr. John Benoit will present a pre-concert talk beginning at 6:30 pm in the main sanctuary. Join us for refreshments prior to the pre-concert talk. All are welcome - no admission charge! Freewill offering accepted.

02/20/2024

Getting ready for my annual recital in support of the Friends of the Arts at St. John's. Sunday, February 25, 2:30 PM - St. John's Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, Des Moines. Parking is free, so is admission! Freewill offering will go to support arts programming at St. John's.

This year, I'll be joined by my daughter, Abby, who will be playing movements from Handel's Sonata in C-Minor for oboe.

Other pieces include Bach's transcription of Vivaldi's Concerto in D-Minor, BWV 596; Mendelssohn's Sonata III; Herzlich tut mich verlangen, arranged by Brahms; Retrospection/ Elf on a Moonbeam, by Florence Price; Scott Joplin's Chrysanthemum (An Afro-American Intermezzo), arranged by E. Power Biggs; Final, from Symphony No. 1, by Louis Vierne.

Organ: 1997 Schlicker (with later work by Bedient).
Harpsichord: Built by A. H. Dupree, gift to St. John's by the Holstad Harpsichord Endowment.

All are welcome - reception will follow in the Fireside Room.

11/04/2023

Enjoy the works of the ensemble Lyric Winds, presenting Kimberly Helton (flute), Sue Odem (oboe), and Kariann Voigts (clarinet). The group performs recitals and master classes throughout the metro area. Join us for lunch, priced at $8 per person, on Wednesday, November 8th, starting at 12:05pm, in Neumann Hospitality.

09/13/2023

We're excited to announce that the Fall 2023 Midweek Music Series is starting Wednesday, November 1st! As always, these concerts are free and open to everyone, and they will take place at 12:05 pm in the St. John's Sanctuary.

But wait, there's more! Following each Midweek Music Series performance, we'll be serving lunch. For just $8 per person, you can enjoy a delicious meal in Neumann, which is located on the same level as the Sanctuary. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones, all while enjoying some great food. We can't wait to see you there!

Join us this fall!
November 8, 2023
November 15, 2023
November 22, 2023
November 29, 2023
December 6, 2023

08/30/2023

You are cordially invited to the upcoming Friends of The Arts Patron Party! The event is scheduled for September 10th at 4pm and promises to be an unforgettable experience. You'll have the chance to mingle and connect with Friends while also learning about the exciting 2024 Arts Program Highlights. To make things even better, there will be delicious Hors d'oeuvres and Beverages to indulge in while you learn about the Arts at St. John's. The program is proudly sponsored by St. John's Friends of the Arts. Hope to see you there, RSVP by September 5th!
stjohnsdsm.com/patronparty

08/11/2023

Mark your calendars for this year’s Friends of The Arts Patron Party. At Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge on September 10, 2023, starting at 4pm!

03/10/2023

11/21/2022

Last week's performance with Ashley Sidon and Rosa Scott has been uploaded and is now available for viewing. It can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka1bMnD0sao . Enjoy!

Ashley Sidon, cello; Rosa Scott, piano.Due to technical difficulties, recording started late and ended early. Our apologies.