The Salon Series:
A Ministry of Ascension Music

What are salon concerts?

Much of history's finest solo and chamber music was composed not for concert halls, but for intimate gatherings in the private rooms, or salons, of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, where friends met to listen, learn, and share ideas about the arts. Ascension’s Salon Series brings back the vibrant Salon experience with engaging performances in lovely, intimate spaces within our historic church.

Ascension Music’s Salon Series features artists from Ascension Parish and local guest artists. Concerts range from song recitals in our Parlor with our 19th-century Chickering grand piano, to Baroque chamber concerts in our serene Sanctuary with our Baroque-style Coulter tracker organ; to energizing musical theatre songs at the Steinway in our cheery, airy Reinhart Hall. After each concert comes an opportunity to socialize with artists other concertgoers.

Accessibility

All are welcome at Ascension. Concert admittance is donation-based, and no one will be turned away.

The Salon Series

what’s next

A Regency Salon for Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday

Jocelyn Claire Thomas, soprano, piano, flute
Emma Cowell, soprano, piano, lecturer

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 7:00 P.M.

December 16, 2025, marks 250 years since the birth of beloved novelist Jane Austen. The Salon Series will celebrate with a salon concert recreating a Regency-era evening of home music-making. Jocelyn Claire Thomas and Emma Cowell will perform music from the Baroque and Classical eras, including music from Jane Austen’s own library of scores. December 16 also happens to be the birthday of Austen’s contemporary Ludwig van Beethoven, so his music will make a special appearance. This concert will appeal to lovers of classical music as well as lovers of literature and history. Period costume admired but not required!