NEWBURYPORT – Belleville Church will host piano soloist Sergei Novikov on Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. for a concert benefiting the fundraising efforts to reopen the historic Belleville Meetinghouse. Music will include classical, jazz, Broadway tunes, and more. Tickets are available at the door for a suggested donation of $25. Cash and credit cards accepted.
Since immigrating from Russia to the United States in 1990, Novikov has become a major force in contemporary composing and has a large following. His music reflects influences and nuances of classical, jazz, Spanish, Latin, Russian, blues, tango, electronica and other styles. The Boston Globe said he: “brings an intelligence, craft and elegance to his arrangements….his music is both accessible to the unschooled ear and complex enough to hold the interest of the classical music appreciator.” Novikov opened a program for First Lady Barbara Bush and has performed for dignitaries and celebrities including President George H.W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, President Joe Biden, Billy Joel, Paul Newman and Reba McEntire.
The Belleville Meetinghouse dedicated in 1867, is a prominent landmark on High Street and a valued example of New England religious architecture. It has evolved into a shared resource for worship, music, and community events for the greater Newburyport community offering “the best acoustics on the North Shore” and seating for 600 audience members. For decades it has been home to the Newburyport Choral Society, Belleville Roots Music Series, theater productions, organ concerts, weddings and other community events.
The church temporarily closed the Meetinghouse until a restoration project is completed that will stabilize and repair the ceiling structure for generations to come. Belleville and its community partners are currently raising funds to reopen this treasured venue. Learn more at www.
bellevillechurch.org. ♦
