By Robert Grieves
The Friends of Music at St. Mark’s, in collaboration with The St. Mark’s Choir, will present “I Got Rhythm” – A George Gershwin Gala Cabaret, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 6 pm in Morrill Hall, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan.
Signature Gershwin compositions, including “Embraceable You” (1928), “Summertime” (1935), “I Got Rhythm” (1930), and many more Broadway hits now central to the American songbook, will be performed by the Soloists and Choir of St. Mark’s, directed and accompanied by Edward J. “Ned” Tipton, Director of Music Ministries, and pianist/composer/arranger Andrew Kimsey.
Ned, who began his musical studies at the age of four and gave his first recital at the age of six, was called to St. Mark’s after seven years at St. John’s Cathedral, Los Angeles. Before Los Angeles he spent twenty-one years as Director of Music at the American Cathedral in Paris. He received his bachelor’s degree in piano and his master’s degree in choral conducting from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, Ohio; and studied the works of organist Maurice Duruflé with the wife of the composer, Marie-Madeline Duruflé-Chevalier, in Paris.
“Gershwin’s ability to fuse the improvisational energy of jazz with formal classical structures was absolutely groundbreaking,” Ned observed. “His works are performed by symphony orchestras, jazz bands, and singers all over the world. We will use, in most cases, Gershwin’s own arrangements of these wonderful, memorable songs. While our regular repertoire is, of course, sacred music, we’ve very much enjoyed working on this music, and we look forward to Saturday evening!”
Anne LeBourgeois Grieves, Chair of the Friends of Music Board and a member of the St. Mark’s choir, said: “This opening concert of the 2025-2026 season of events presented by the Friends of Music at St. Mark’s is both a fund-raiser and a ‘fun’ raiser, building off the success of last year’s Cole Porter Gala. During this Saturday’s Gershwin Gala, plans for the full season will be announced. We welcome members of the community to join us for all our concerts and special services throughout the year, each of which is followed by a festive reception.”
The St. Mark’s Choir and Soloists will perform the Gershwin classics in a cabaret setting, offering a unique and engaging experience for attendees. Guests will be seated at round tables adorned with candles and flowers, and a gourmet buffet along with wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served, enhancing the intimate atmosphere of the evening. The combination of exceptional music, fine food, and a warm, communal setting makes this an event not to be missed by enthusiasts of classic American music and supporters of the arts in New Canaan.
Individual tickets for the event are priced at $100.00, and attendance is restricted to those aged 21 and over. Seating is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, interested parties are encouraged to visit the website page https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org/event/choir-cabaret-benefit-music-of-george-gershwin/ or to call the St. Mark’s church office at 203 966-4515.
