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  • Ephrata Cloister

    Events

Day of Music

Date(s): 10/13/2024
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Experience the Sounds of Early America at Day of Music at Historic Ephrata Cloister!

Immerse yourself in a celebration of history and music at Day of Music, happening from 1 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, October 13th at Historic Ephrata Cloister!

Music played a central role in the spiritual life of Ephrata Cloister in the 18th century. The community is home to some of the earliest documented women composers in America, as discovered in a 1739 manuscript titled Zionitischer Weyrauchs Hügel. The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform these unique compositions in the historic 1741 Saal (Meetinghouse), where they were originally sung by the Cloister’s members. In addition, attendees will hear pieces from other early American religious groups, including the Shakers and Moravians, offering a rich and diverse musical experience.

Adding to the day’s performances, flutist Glenn Fisher will play in the Saal, while Faith Martin (harpsichord) and Mercy Martin (violin) will perform in the Visitor Center Auditorium.

Performance Schedule:

  • 1:00 PM: Faith and Mercy Martin, harpsichord and violin, in the Visitor Center Auditorium, Glenn Fisher, flute, in the Saal (Meetinghouse)
  • 1:30 PM: The Ephrata Cloister Chorus in the Saal (Meetinghouse)
  • 2:00 PM: Faith and Mercy Martin, harpsichord and violin, in the Visitor Center Auditorium
  • 2:30 PM: The Ephrata Cloister Chorus in the Saal (Meetinghouse)
  • 3:00 PM: Faith and Mercy Martin, harpsichord and violin, in the Visitor Center Auditorium, Glenn Fisher, flute, in the Saal (Meetinghouse)
  • 3:30 PM: The Ephrata Cloister Chorus in the Saal (Meetinghouse)

Please note that seating for performances is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission:

  • $10 for adults
  • Free for ECA members
  • $9 for seniors (65+)
  • $7 for students (6-17)
  • Free for children (5 and under)

Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center front desk on the day of the event and include access to all performances and the historic grounds.

Historic Ephrata Cloister is located at 632 West Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522. Come experience the unique musical legacy of early America at the Day of Music!

The Ephrata Cloister Chorus is an educational program of the Ephrata Cloister Associates.

Ephrata Cloister

Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission:
Josh Shapiro, Governor – Hayley Haldeman, Chair – Andrea Lowery, Executive Director

Ephrata Cloister is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History.

The Ephrata Cloister Associates is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, supporting the mission of preservation and education at this National Historic Landmark.

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Ephrata National Bank, Black Forest Brewery/Americana 1777 Inn, Blue Ridge, Conestoga Animal Hospital Inc., Country Homestead, Dairy Queen of Ephrata, Dr. David and Rebecca Fuchs, G.R. Klinefelter Underwriters, Inc., Gus’s Keystone Family Restaurant, Hampton Inn & Suites – Ephrata, Historic Smithton Inn/Weathered Vineyards Ephrata, Horst Auctioneers, New Cloister Restaurant, Olde Lincoln House, Pour Man’s Brewing, Rick Jackson, ELA, Rosenberger North America Akron LLC, Seventh Day Baptist Historical Library and Archives, Tru by Hilton Denver, PA, and Woman’s Club of Ephrata
Open Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm
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