From First Presbyterian Church

What could top off a beautiful Sunday afternoon better than an ice cream social and a delightful concert of spirituals and Broadway hits by two professional musicians?

On Sunday evening, at 6 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church will provide an all-you-can-eat ice cream social to the community. The social will be followed at 7 p.m. by a concert of spirituals and songs from Broadway presented by soprano Katherine Lakoski and pianist Chris Watkins.

Lakoski received her master’s of music degree from the Julliard School, where she was the recipient of many scholarships. She has sung throughout Europe in leading roles in such operas as Beethoven’s “Fidelio,” Wagner’s “Parsifal,” “Tristan and Isolde” and Strauss’ “Elektra.” She was the voice of the Phoenix Bird in the Emmy-Award special, “Big Bird in China.” Although renowned for her classical repertoire, Lakoski sings many different styles of music including sacred, pop, blues, Broadway, gospel and country-western. While in New York, she was a noted club entertainer.

Chris Watkins is the director of music/organist for First Presbyterian Church and directs the chancel choir, the hand bell choir and the children’s choir. Watkins received his master’s of music degree from Georgia State University (magna cum laude) and is presently finishing his doctorate in organ performance and choral conducting.

Watkins has performed twice in the White House by special invitation, and has directed both the Wilson and Johnston County chorales who, under his direction, performed at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, the Washington National Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York, Duke Chapel and Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. He has several published choral anthems for children and adults.

This family-oriented even is free and open to the public. A nursery will be provided.