Long-time St. Charles Resident and Flutist Susan Conant Returns to Fox Valley

Susan Conant, a long-time resident of St Charles, returns to the area to debut her new disc, "Lowcountry Sojourn,” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva. The church is located at 102 S. 2nd Street in downtown Geneva.

Fusing classical with Celtic and blues, Conant (flutes and pennywhistle), award-winning pianist Lin Raymond, and Geneva's own Cynthia Spiegel (vocals) will perform selections from the disc, Celtic sets, and some old favorites.

Described as "earthy,” a "landscape of expression," and "a pleasure to listen to," Conant's music is a heartfelt manifestation of her passion for playing and writing chamber music that bridges genres. When Conant (who is also a landscape architect) moved to the Charleston, South Carolina area a few years ago, she was entranced by the natural beauty of the landscape. Her observations of the coastal ecology inspired the concert's featured work, "Lowcountry Suite."

Conant and Raymond premiered their duo at the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Festival. They have appeared as guest artists for the College of Charleston and have performed throughout the southeast including Beaufort, SC, Washington, DC, Winston-Salem and Raleigh, NC.

Local concert audiences will remember Conant for her participation in three area ensembles: James Street Players (classical chamber music), Musaica (Latin folk music) and O're the Border (Scottish). Conant appears regularly with Charleston Pro Musica (early music), Na Fidleiri (Celtic) and the Taylor Festival Choir. She arranged the title cut and performed on TFC's acclaimed disc, "Sing We Now of Christmas.” More information can be found on her website: www.conantpoint.com

Lin Raymond (piano) has been recognized for his performances of twentieth century repertoire, performing on many recitals both as a soloist and accompanist. Notably, he won first place in the National Bartok-Kabalevsky Competition in 1986. He has accompanied the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, the Santa Fe Opera Mosaics, Lux Aeterna for Piccolo Spoleto, and performed as part of the ensemble for Santa Fe New Music. An accomplished church and choral musician and prolific teacher, Raymond served as pianist and organist for the St. Francis Cathedral (Santa Fe), Music Director for the United Church of Santa Fe and as pianist for the First Unitarian Church in Memphis.

About UUSG
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, established in 1842 and the oldest church in Geneva, is a diverse, welcoming community that endeavors to make its Covenant a living reality. We provide religious education and opportunities for spiritual growth. We encourage individual and mutual responsibility as together we work to be a liberal religious voice in the community and a force for compassionate social justice. For more information, visit www.uusg.org.