Saxophonist and Organist presented free VGCC concerts

Vance-Granville Community College recently presented two concerts as part of its cultural outreach to the community. Michael Stephenson and Mark Hopper performed on April 24 at Warrenton Baptist Church and on April 25 at Creedmoor United Methodist Church. Each night, the program featured music for saxophone and keyboard instruments (organ, piano, and harpsichord), including works by J.S. Bach, Gabriel Faure, Jacob ter Veldhuis, William Fritz and visiting composer Thomas Massella. Massella drove from Pittsburgh to hear his works performed in person. More than 50 people were in attendance at each concert. Saxophonist Michael Stephenson is an instructor of music at VGCC. He also created and directs the Vance-Granville Community Band, which combines community college students and interested musicians from throughout the area. Mark Hopper is Minister of Music and Organist at First Baptist Church of Henderson. Pictured above, from left: Michael Stephenson, composer Thomas Massella and Mark Hopper.