The 2012-13 season of the Grace Church Concert Series in The Plains showcases the high quality and greatly varied programming that has been its hallmark for many years. Returning to its longtime four-concert format, the series will make use not only of the church, but also the adjoining parish hall, which, as a complimentary venue, allows for a wider range of events.

All concerts are on Sunday afternoons, followed by pleasant receptions to allow the audience and artists to mingle.

The opening concert on October 21 makes use of the parish hall for a top-flight piano recital by Sara Daneshpour. As the winner of several major competitions in the last decade, she has already established herself as a rising star on the international scene.

A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music (with Leon Fleisher), Ms. Daneshpour is currently pursuing her Master's degree at the Juilliard School.

Please note that this first concert is at 6 p.m., the only one of the series scheduled at this special time.

On November 18th, the Washington Bach Consort, always a popular ensemble with this audience, returns to perform in the highly attractive acoustics of the church itself.

Led by founder Dr. J. Reilly Lewis (conductor of the Cathedral Choral Society), who will also share his talent at the keyboard, the Consort brings its usual vocal and instrumental expertise to create a musical experience that is both beautiful and compassionate. The concert time returns to the usual hour of 5 PM for this and following events.

February 10 highlights a weekend of pre-Mardi Gras celebration featuring a jazz concert in the parish hall presented by the Bruce Swaim Quartet and guest blues vocalist Mary Ann Redmond. With Bruce Swaim playing sax, Paul Langosch on bass (Tony Bennett's longtime bassist), Jay Cooley at the piano, and Dominic Smith on drums, the quartet is considered one of DC's premiere jazz ensembles. It won the 2010 Washington Area Music Association's (WAMMY) award for Jazz Group of the Year, as well as Jazz Recording of the Year. Widely admired in their field, the group's style is both fun and engaging.

Another parish hall concert caps the season on April 14 with the appearance of the Apollo Chamber Orchestra. A fairly new ensemble based in the DC area, the orchestra is made up of young graduates from major conservatories and music schools blended with proven musicians from well-known local organizations. The Apollo experience is focused on intimacy and inclusiveness, so come and enjoy a personal connection with lots of bright youthful talent.

New brochures, tickets, and other information are available by contacting Grace Church at P.O. Box 32, The Plains, VA 20198; calling 540-253-5177, or visiting www.gracetheplains.org.

Fortunately, subscriptions and individual ticket prices remain the same as ever: $100 for a complete subscription (including one free ticket for a child under 12), or $25 per ticket for any individual concert. The series helps support the music program at Grace Church, and is funded in part by Mrs. Jacqueline Mars in memory of her mother, Mrs. Forrest Mars, who was devoted to music and loved Grace Church.