The Music on High series at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown offers a wide range of musical styles and gives the church the opportunity to invite the community in, said Kevin Gane, director of music and organist.

"We're very blessed to have a beautiful space and a beautiful instrument here," he said, referring to the church's 1949 Moller organ. "We want to share that with our community. We wanted to open our space to people who maybe don't come to church on Sunday."

The series began last year after a congregant suggested an organ concert at the church's annual New Year's Eve celebration. The concert was so well received, Gane recalled, that he decided to develop a series.

Held at the church at 75 E. High St., the series is funded by a former pastor and his music director wife, Raymond and Theresa Fetter, who left a trust in their name. It allows Gane to offer seven concerts, all free of charge.

Music on High will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 12, with a performance by the Leesburg String Quartet beginning at 7 p.m. The concert will feature both classical and popular music.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, Advent lessons and carols will be highlighted at 4 p.m., with readings, hymns and choral music.

The series will continue on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 5:30 p.m., with a Christmas Carol Festival, featuring Gane and the Christ Lutheran organ.

On Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, organist Abbie Wood will perform at 7 p.m. She plays Baroque, romantic and contemporary period organ music.

For the second year, the series will feature the Youth Music Festival, showcasing the talents of youth solo performers, the youth choir and the handbell ensemble at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.

The series will continue on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 7 p.m. with a Good Friday service, featuring an encore performance of Bob Chilcott's St. John Passion from last year's series. Jonathan Walker-VanKuren will perform as the Evangelist.

Wrapping up the series, the Elizabethtown Area High School chamber choir will perform on Sunday, May 5, at 4 p.m. The choir features more than 20 students in grades nine through 12.

"The series is a mix of bringing back some of the classics from our first year and some new performances," Gane said. "We have a little bit of music for everybody. If you're not specifically into classical music, we have lighter fare as well. You'll find something you're going to enjoy no matter what concert you go to."

A freewill offering will be received at the concerts. For more information on the Music on High series, visit http://www.christlutheran-etown.com/music-on-high.