St. Paul's Church of Palmer

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH WELCOMES NEW MINISTER OF MUSIC

 

WES HUNTER

 

Accomplished Tenor Begins Music Ministry Role  

at St. Paul’s Church of Palmer  

 

Introducing Wes Hunter: St. Paul’s New Music Minister

St. Paul’s Church is delighted to welcome Wes Hunter as its new Music Minister, beginning September 8th 2024 at our Sunday morning worship service. Wes, a full-time music teacher at Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, succeeds Barbara Stone, who faithfully served as St. Paul’s organist for 18 years. Wes and his husband, Marc, reside in Western Massachusetts.

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Under Wes’s leadership, music at St. Paul’s will feature a unique blend of hymns, folk and popular music, classical pieces, and contemporary worship songs. The St. Paul’s choir will reconvene after its pause during the COVID-19 years, and performances by Berkshire Hills Music Academy students and other special concerts will enrich our music ministry. On December 1st, St. Paul’s will host a Brass Fanfare Concert.

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About Wes Hunter

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A gifted tenor and pianist, Wes began his musical journey on French horn and piano before establishing himself as a sought-after soloist, choral singer, and church musician in Washington, D.C., and Boston. He holds a BM and MM in voice and opera from the University of Maryland, College Park, and The Boston Conservatory. Career highlights include performances with The Boston Pops, The National Symphony Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras.

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Wes is a dedicated music educator at Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a unique residential program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is also a performer and organizer with Opera on Tap (OOT), an initiative bringing opera to unconventional venues such as public parks, bars, and farmers’ markets across Greater Boston.

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Praised for his "drama, heart, and shining tone," Wes is known for his charismatic interpretations of both standard and contemporary repertoire. His operatic focus is on bel canto, sacred music, and art song, and his career spans everything from Baroque opera to new concert works. His sold-out cabaret debut at Club Café in Boston featured selections from musical theatre composers, showcasing his versatility as a performer and creator.

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With extensive experience in church music, Wes previously led worship music for nine years at St. Ignatius Parish, Chestnut Hill.

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We are thrilled to have Wes bring his passion, talent, and leadership to St. Paul’s and look forward to an inspiring and vibrant music ministry.