Upcoming MLCS Performances:
Check back for upcoming performance dates.
About the Mel Larimer Concert Series:
Mel Larimer was the beloved Director of Music and conductor of Traverse City’s First Congregational Church Sanctuary Choir from 1997 to 2008. Bringing together Grand Traverse regional musicians to perform major choral/orchestral masterworks was always a major part of Mel Larimer’s fondest wishes and goals for our community. At his passing in 2008, the Mel Larimer Concert Series Memorial Fund was established so that our community could carry on this worthy aspiration. The over-arching goal of the Mel Larimer Concert is to bring together Grand Traverse area musicians to perform great music. All vocalists who are up to the challenge and can fulfill rehearsal requirements are welcome to participate. Masterworks selected may include music of various world cultures, creeds and historical origins, and can be from sacred or secular choral traditions. The Mel Larimer Concerts are outreach events offered to individuals and established public and private institutions as a community service. The Traverse City First Congregational Church (as custodian of the MLCS Trust) is pleased to host these events where appropriate.
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Mel Larimer Concert Series is to perform great music that inspires humanity’s creative yearnings and gives expression to the stirrings of the human spirit. To that end, we will strive to present, advocate and promote a repertory of innovative and traditional choral music and seek to educate the public and nurture its appreciation of the life-enriching qualities of choral music and the arts.
Previous Performances:
If you missed the November 6th, 2022 MLCS Choral Concert, we invite you to view the performance by clicking HERE.
Ukrainian Relief Requiem Concert
Concert Recording Available Below:
The Grand Traverse Area Festival Chorus & Orchestra performed "Requiem For The Living" with composer Dan Forrest under the direction of Russ Larimer. Dan Forrest is an internationally known and highly acclaimed composer; Dr. Forrest was also the featured pianist for this Ukrainian Benefit event.
This inspired musical endeavor is brought to you by over one hundred and twenty trained and professional musicians from around the country, as well as from the Grand Traverse region. Our volunteer performers seek to help provide significant relief to the suffering people of Ukraine and to offer comfort for all people in need of healing and hope in these challenging and uncertain times.