Hundreds Flock to Church in Plymouth To Bring Music Alive

They come from as far as Duluth and all across the metro to sing some of the greatest hits of Vivaldi, Faure, Haydn, Mozart and Brahms.

Every Wednesday evening during the month of July the parking lot of the Church of the Epiphany in Plymouth overflows into the streets and classical music fills the air as you enter the through the front doors. People are gathered for the church's "Open Sings."

Musicians of different ages, backgrounds and beliefs come together to enjoy classical music with conductor John Hoffacker and to help out a good cause.

For the past eight years each week in July the church welcomes singers and musicians to play a song and donate to different charities. Each week a different nonprofit or charity organization such as CARE, Home Free, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, City House and Can-Do Canines benefit from those who simply want to get together, help out others and enjoy great music.

The past month raised thousands for these charities, about $1,000 each week for each charity, said Sandy Connor with the church's vestry.

"The idea originally came from John [Hoffacker]," Connor said. "He's from the East coast and said this type of fundraising is popular there and has become popular here too."

Church members Hoffacker, Ibby Gilmore and Sharon Lynne are most responsible for the whole thing, she said.

The church's outreach committee plans each July fundraising effort including providing snacks and refreshments for participants during break time. The evenings include a rehearsal first, a break in which someone from that night's charity talks about their organization and then perform the musical selection in its entirety.

Music is provided to those who participate and they are emailed or contacted about each week's new song so they know ahead of time. Hoffacker selects the music before each month, Connor said.

Hoffacker is an internationally renowned director and conductor. He is the church's director of music ministries heading up four choirs, eight handbell ensembles and instrumental groups. Since 2010 he has also led the Golden Valley Orchestra.

"We average about 100 to 200 people a week," Connor said. "Surprisingly, many of the people who come aren't church members."

The episcopal Church of the Epiphany is on Nathan Lane off Hwy 169 in Plymouth and has been around for 50 years. It has been located in other areas besides Plymouth during that time. Epiphany’s first service was held on Jan. 12, 1958, in Forest Elementary School gym in Crystal then later moved to New Hope and Plymouth. 

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