After a successful third season, we’re thrilled to welcome back the Summer Sundays concert series, co-founded in 2023 by our very own Aaron Knodle and Ayesha Chetty. This year’s series features three uniquely themed afternoons of uplifting, inspiring, and joy-filled music, showcasing both returning performers and exciting new collaborations.
Looking Back: Highlights from Last Year
Last summer, audiences experienced a range of musical storytelling through concerts celebrating nature, exploring the many dimensions of love through Broadway favorites, and featuring the dynamic artistry of the Crystal Keys Trio. From the majestic sounds of Bethany’s Carlson Memorial pipe organ to intimate chamber music and powerful vocal performances, each concert offered something unique while bringing our community together through the shared experience of live music.
Highlights from Previous Performances:
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2026 Summer Sundays Lineup
Mark your calendars! Each event begins at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary:
- Music of Our Time– Sunday, May 31
“Music of Our Time” showcases a range of Western Classical music written by living composers. The audience will journey through a rich breadth of contemporary Western Classical music including Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt’s minimalism, Chen Yi’s Chinese and Western fusion music, and Valerie Coleman’s delightfully evocative melodies, among others. This concert will feature Bethany’s beautiful Carlson Memorial pipe organ, flute, violin, and piano.
- A Sunday Afternoon with Sondheim– Sunday, June 28
Credited with redefining the Broadway musical form, Stephen Sondheim was adept at writing witty lyrics and memorable melodies that resonate deeply with people at many stages of life. This concert showcases Sondheim’s work, offering his perspectives on life through commentary on love and marriage, comedic satire, introspective musings, and calls for bravery and boldness.
- Songs of Resistance– Sunday, August 2
Throughout history, music has been a vehicle for resistance and protest, keeping community spirit strong, communicating secret messages, rallying people, commenting on current events, or imagining a better world. This concert celebrates the many different ways music has been used to resist the status quo. Through well-known classics as well as underrated favorites, this program invites the audience to reflect on the history that birthed this music, the times we live in, and how we can shape our future.
The concerts are free to the public and family-friendly, however, this year, all proceeds from the freewill offering taken at each concert will go to McHenry County Rapid Response (MCRR). MCRR encompasses volunteer and community-based teams that assist with emergencies, public health crises, and community support initiatives.
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