The Lenten Fine Arts series will return in 2025 with a new slate of artists and performances.

This year’s series begins Friday with a display of Marty Kittrell’s photography from 5 until 7 p.m. and an organ recital by Michael Beattie at 6 p.m., all taking place at the Church of the Holy Trinity Church, 920 South St. The organ recital will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Prelude in B Minor,” Herbert Howells’ “Master Tallis’ Testament” and Paul Hindemith’s “Sonata I for Organ.” A reception will follow the concert.  The art show and concert are free to the public, and donations are encouraged.

Kittrell is the series’ featured visual artist this year. He and his family live in Vicksburg and his photos feature landscapes of Vicksburg and the surrounding area.  His website, How Great Thou Art, praising God through photography (https://www.martykittrell.com/) features various landscapes and clips of him singing hymns in the Illinois Monument at the Vicksburg National Military Park.  Through his work, Kitrell said he hopes to inspire residents and visitors of Vicksburg to appreciate the natural beauty of the area and to help develop a deeper appreciation of God and His creation. His photos will be displayed throughout the Lenten season in the parish hall at the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Beattie, the first musician in this year’s series, is currently serving as organist/assistant choirmaster at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson, where he has given numerous organ recitals over the years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1973) and a master’s degree from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (1975) in organ performance.

Beattie served as president and executive director of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra from 2004 until his retirement in 2021. Although he did not perform with the orchestra during his tenure as president, he was invited to present the Poulenc Concerto for Organ and Orchestra with them the season following his retirement. He came to Jackson from Louisville,
Kentucky, where he served as chief operating officer for the Louisville Orchestra. He has been active as a volunteer with the American Guild of Organists (AGO) on both the local and national levels, having served as dean of three city chapters, on numerous national level committees, and as chair of its National Competition in Organ Improvisation for six years.

The Lenten series will continue with noon concerts on March 14 and 21. The Mississippi Boy’s Choir will perform Friday, March 14, and the Warren Central Madrigal Choir will sing Friday, March 21. A gumbo lunch will be served following the Friday noon concerts. The concerts are free to the public, and the gumbo lunch tickets are $15.