The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Unplugged!

DUARTE, Calif. The composer Ludwig van Beethoven once wrote, "Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." And, as friends of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles have long known, the Carmelites would agree with that. Not only does the order have a tradition of incorporating music into its daily work, worship and discipline, but, on February 28, at 7 p.m. the Sisters will come together from all parts of the Southland to share their music with those outside their convents´ walls when they present "The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Unplugged."

"We want this evening to be a time of uplifting and restoring spirits, a time of hope," explains Mother Regina Marie, OCD, Superior General. "The Carmelite Sisters love music and our lives are filled with music --- chanting the psalms three times a day, composing, singing together and playing instruments. Because music can reach deeply into both heart and soul, the concert will have an inspirational and prayerful tone, coupled with moments of playful fun."

Works performed "unplugged" by the Sisters at the Madonna Hall Community Center in Duarte, CA, will range from Gregorian chants to contemporary Christian. "The unifying theme for the concert is light," says Mother Regina Marie. "Times are dark, right now, very tough, for so many people. They get discouraged. We want people to know that we´re here for them. We are here to help."

Joining Sister Marie Estelle, OCD, in directing "The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Unplugged," is James Drollinger, a 10-year member of the renowned choral ensemble, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, who received a Grammy nomination for his duet recording of Morton Lauridsen´s "Dirait-on" on the CD "Northwest Journey." In addition, Musical Theatre veterans Ralph Mohutsky and Victoria Strong Mohutsky will act as hosts. Singer and guitarist John Gilb will perform as well.

The Carmelite Sisters are also grateful for the support of Studio City Sound, a full-service recording studio owned and operated by Grammy Award winning mixer Tom Weir. Studio City Sound has recorded all of the CDs of the Carmelite Sisters.

"Although the Carmelite Sisters live a simple lifestyle, we strive to deliver the highest quality in educational, health and retreat ministry services," concludes Mother Regina Marie. "As our concert proclaims, ´Lift up your hearts…´For greater things we were born.´"

For more information or to reserve tickets for "The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Unplugged," which are available for $35/person, call Kathleen Soto at (626) 289-1353, ext. 246 or email events@carmelitesistersocd.com. For more information about the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, visit www.carmelitesistersocd.com.

The Madonna Hall Community Center is located at 819 Buena Vista Street in Duarte, California.

ABOUT THE GUEST ARTISTS

James Drollinger

James Drollinger is active in the Los Angeles music community. After earning a music degree at Loyola Marymount University, he went on to conduct secondary school bands and choirs. As a professional singer, Drollinger spent 10 years in the world renowned Los Angeles Master Chorale, where he was a frequent soloist and was active in educational outreach as a member of the LAMC Chamber Singers. His voice has appeared on numerous major motion picture soundtracks as well as CD recordings. He received a Grammy nomination for his duet recording of Morton Lauridsen´s "Dirait-on," on the CD "Northwest Journey." Drollinger has worked in Church music all of his adult life as a cantor, a composer, and a director. Currently he is Director of Liturgy at St. Jerome Church in Los Angeles and Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood.

Ralph Mohutsky

Ralph Mohutsky has been in music ministry for over 20 years. He began as music director for the Newman Center on the campus of West Chester University, Westchester PA. Since that time he has been music director/cantor/pianist for churches throughout the San Gabriel Valley including San Gabriel Mission, St. Therese – Alhambra and currently at St. Luke - Temple City, Assumption BVM – Pasadena and St. Michael´s Orthodox Catholic Church – Arcadia. A veteran of Musical Theatre, he has appeared in the National Tour of Ragtime and was in many musicals with the San Gabriel Civic Light Opera, as well as in musical reviews throughout L.A.

Victoria Strong Mohutsky

A veteran of Musical Theatre for over 20 years, Victoria has played many leading roles throughout the nation. She has just finished a long run playing Anna in The King & I at the Welk Resort Theatre. Other credits include: Mother in Ragtime/National Tour and 5 different regional productions in Southern California, Kate in Kiss Me Kate, Emma in Jekyll & Hyde, Lily in The Secret Garden, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Grace in Annie, Aldonza in Man Of La Mancha, Maria and Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly, Nettie in Carousel, Betty Blake in Will Rogers Follies….to name a few. A guitarist and pianist, she has been performing with her husband Ralph Mohutsky for 12 years.

John Gilb

John Gilb has been singing and playing guitar since age 12. He discovered choral music at Loyola Marymount University where he was a member of the men's chorus and consort singers. Also at LMU, John met Dr. Bob Hurd and became a member of the contemporary liturgical music group "Bob Hurd and Anawim." John graduated in 1981 from Loyola Marymount Univeristy in Los Angeles, California, and through the ensuing years has been the director of various contemporary choirs and has recorded extensively for Oregon Catholic Press. John is a full time institutional investment manager and lives in Alhambra with his wife Gracie.

CALENDAR SUMMARY

"The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Unplugged"

Sunday, February 28, 2010; 7 p.m. Madonna Hall Community Center

819 Buena Vista Street, Duarte, CA. 91010

Music Director:

Sister Marie Estelle, OCD

Guest Music Director:

James Drollinger

Program:

An evening of inspiration and hope, with music including Gregorian Chant, hymns, praise/worship, and contemporary Christian

Tickets: for reservations, call Kathy Soto (626) 289-1353 ext 246

or email events@carmelitesistersocd.com, visit our website www.carmelitesistersocd.com

Price:

35/person