Veteran recitalist Gerald Vreman set to perform his first full program since 2023 motorcycle crash

Like I say, every day of this cold and snow is a day closer to spring.

And now, also, to the 2026 series of Lenten recitals at Central United Church.

It a series that has continued – COVID excepted – for a number of years in our town. Started by the late Paul Baker at now-closed Trinity Anglican Church the series is now convened by Dave Mathers at Central. It offers a moment of reflection over the Wednesday noon hour.

“Trinity Anglican Church hosted the six-concert Lenten Organ Recital Series for many, many years, and my wife, Linda, and I always attended,” Dave says.

“However, when the decision was made to amalgamate with St. John’s, the series was in limbo. Working with Dr. Wayne Carroll, I was able to get the series moved to Central United Church for two concerts only before COVID reared its ugly head.

“Needless to say, we shut down but resurrected it last year.”

This year’s series also marks the return of veteran recitalist Gerald Vreman, offering his first full program – selections not yet fully decided – since a devastating 2023 motorcycle crash ended his tenure as Central’s music director.

“I’ve done this before, so I’m hoping it will go well – and it should,” says Gerald. Now 63, he has been a church musician since age 14, when he took up that post at now-closed Centre Street Baptist Church. He offered his first Lenten recital in the ‘90s at Trinity.

Gerald began playing piano again shortly following his crash as part of his therapy.

“It turned out well.”

Dave asked Gerald to open Wayne Carroll’s recital last year with one piece.

“I just asked him if he could do a full concert (this year), and he agreed that he could.

“I’m hoping to get him back as music director at Central because he is such an immense talent.”

The series begins Feb.18 with Sandy Kazuboiwski-Houston, Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas. He convenes an Advent recital series at his church.

This year’s recitalists:

(There is no concert on Feb. 25 on account of the St. Thomas Music Festival at the church.)

Recitals start at noon. Cost is $10 for the concert, a light lunch and........

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