By Ted AYALA

The therapeutic properties of music, its ability to mend bodies as well as souls, is something that has long been established. Now it will be employed for its ability to inspire local music lovers to show some generosity for the less fortunate.

St. George’s Episcopal Church in La Cañada will be presenting a musical program on Thursday, June 7 with Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” as its centerpiece. The cantata’s brilliance – with its exuberant opening octaves – has secured it a permanent place in the affections of musicians and listeners alike.

Included in the program will also be solo renditions of songs from a variety of musical genres.

“We have two members of our congregation that are stricken with Alzheimer’s,” said Connie Grisham, musical director for St. George’s. “Everyone gets concerned about Alzheimer’s, especially as they age.”

The concert is the latest in a series of benefit concerts held over the past three years at the church. Past benefit concerts have rallied community support for research into Parkinson’s as well as Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s great to see how our community has demonstrated their support,” said Grisham.

Among the soloists participating on the program will be Veronica Christenson, Meghan Miles, Jeremy Schoenberg, and Daniel Chaney. Cheney’s lyric tenor – agile and sweet – has been one of the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s gems, with whom he has participated for several years.

“We’ll pass the basket around and encourage people to donate,” Grisham said. “Music opens people’s hearts. We hope that our concert helps open those hearts just a little wider.”

Admission is free; refreshments will be served after the program. For more information on this benefit concert, contact St. George’s at (818) 790-3323 or by visiting them in person at 808 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge. Patrons making check donations are kindly requested to make their checks payable to “St. George’s Episcopal Church.”

  Ted Ayala