Give Me Jesus

CUMC Concerts is pleased to present "Give Me Jesus! - An Afternoon of Sprituals and Gospel Music" to be presented to the public on May 31, 2009 at 3PM at the Community United Methodist Church in Elm Grove. Tickets will be $12.00 for Adults and $10.00 for Students. Please call the church office at 262-782-4060 for more information or click here to order tickets.

CUMC Concerts is a special concert series that seeks to present extraordinary musical performances to the Elm Grove, Brookfield and surroundings communities. Our first concert is a celebration of spirituals and Gospel music. This concert is under the direction of Martnie Mortellaro, Director of Music.

This concert features the CUMC Festival choir comprised of the combined Chancel, Contemporary and Youth Choirs totaling more than 75 singers. Special guests for this event are professional opera singer Angela Mortellaro joining us from Orlando, FL. and pianist Ernest Brusabardis.

Soprano Angela Mortellaro, native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has just recently completed a two-year apprentice position as a "Studio Artist" with the Orlando Opera Company. During the Orlando Opera's 2008-2009 season, she performed the roles of Clorinda in Cenerentola, Sister Genovieffa in Suor Angelica, as well as Olympia/Antonia/Giullietta in The Tales of Hoffman. In OOC's 2007-2008 season, she sang the role of Sally in Die Fledermaus, and was seen with the Orlando Philharmonic as part of the Young People's Concert Series. Ms. Mortellaro holds degrees in music performance from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music and the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, and has participated in the Aspen Opera Theatre Center in 2006-2008. She has performed operatic roles such as Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Sandrina (La finta giardiniera), Diana (La Calisto), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), The Governess (The Turn of the Screw), Frasquita (Carmen) and Clorinda (Cenerentola). She has also performed several concert works including Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with City Music Cleveland, and Mahler's Resurrection Symphony with the Rice University Orchestra. Ms. Mortellaro has also had the pleasure of recording and premiering works by composer Aaron Alon including a new musical ''The Nightingale and the Rose,'' and a heart-wrenching piece about child abuse called ''Breaking the Silence.'' Ms. Mortellaro has also received recognition for her singing, including the Encouragement award at the Upper-Midwest Regional Metropolitan Opera Auditions. This summer, Ms. Mortellaro has been invited to participate as an Apprentice Artist with Chautauqua Opera where she will both cover and sing roles in The Pirates of Penzance and The Consul, and will be a featured artist with the Chautauqua Symphony. Ms. Mortellaro is a student of Dr. Stephen King.

Song List

Deep River
He's Got the Whole World in His Hand
How Great Thou Art
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
This Little Light of Mine
Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Blessed Assurance
Little David Play On Your Harp
Ride On, King Jesus
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?
Peace Like a River
Great Gittin' Up Mornin'
Worthy To Be Praised
Guide My Feet
Give Me Jesus
Praise His Holy Name