The FirstARTS series of First United Methodist Church begins its 11th season Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. with a concert titled “Jazz Classique,” featuring pianist John Mochnick, vibraphonist Robert Oriheula, bassist Matt Kendrick, and percussionist John Wilson.
The concert fuses popular classical tunes performed in a jazz style. Mochnick, 75, is happiest at the intersection of classical and jazz music, where Vivaldi, Bud Powell, Mozart and Dave Brubeck can co-exist.
A native of Iowa, Mochnick is the former chair of the music department at Wake Forest University. The band’s instrumentation and love of classical and jazz bring to mind the Modern Jazz Quartet, an influential jazz combo from the second half of the 20th century. The concert is free and open to all.
FUMC is located at 217 S. Church St. For more information, call 704-636-3121, ext 104 or see www.fumcsalisbury.org