How to go
What: Golden Gates
Where: High Street United Methodist Church, 230 E. High St., Springfield
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30
Admission: No cost; donations accepted
More info: 937-322-2527 or www.highstreetumc.com
The Sanctuary Series is previewing its upcoming season by opening the borders for a special event.
Golden Gates, a youth ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia, will bring traditional Russian folk songs and dance to the High Street United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30.
Admission is free, but a collection will be taken to help defray the group’s tour costs.
J. Chris Moore, High Street’s musical director of traditional worship, discovered Golden Gates on a scouting trip with his wife to St. Petersburg back in 2005.
“We are delighted that they will be able to make a stop in Springfield during their summer tour this year,” Moore said.
The program includes a combination of songs, rituals, folk stories, audience participation and dances. The performers, who range from ages 5-15, dress in colorful costumes, do syncopated footwork, gymnastic leaps and foot stomping.
Golden Gates will be accompanied by Moscow Nights, an ensemble of Russian folk musicians. A reception to meet the performers will follow the concert in The Commons at the church, which is open to attendees.
The Sanctuary Series sponsors admission-free monthly performing arts shows. It will begin its eighth season Sept. 13 and runs through May 2016.
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