The Kalamazoo Recorder Players are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a concert that will feature world premiere performances of four pieces by composers from the Sound Ecologies Music Artist Collective based in Indianapolis. Rob Funkhouser, Luke Garrigus, Brenna Green, and Amanda S. have each written pieces for the Kalamazoo Recorder Players to celebrate this milestone. Additional works on the concert will be by William Byrd, Marg Hall, Josquin des Prez, and William Ruthenberg.

The Kalamazoo Recorder Players began in 1974 under the direction of Judith Whaley. Over the years, they have performed public concerts, school concerts, and music for community events. Since 2006 the group has been directed by Karen Woodworth. Membership is open to recorder players of all ages who are interested in exploring music as a group with the goal of sharing it with the community. The Sound Ecologies Music Artist Collective formed to utilize music and the arts to specifically benefit environmental conservation and social causes. Their members are dedicated to cultivating music, community, and conservation.

The concert will be held in the sanctuary of Portage United Church of Christ on Sunday, May 4th at 2:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.