Gregory Sheppard, Byron Sean Perform at Freehold Borough Arts Council's Inaugural Concert

The Freehold Borough Council (FBAC) began its mission of championing the arts and building a greater cultural community with gusto. On Friday, Feb. 25 operatic bass Gregory Sheppard and pianist Byron Sean played to an audience of over 100 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for the FBAC’s inaugural event.

FBAC President Neal Girandola thanked the local business community for their support of the organization.

“They understand and acknowledge us a vital asset to the betterment of this community because art and culture will bring people to this town,” Girandola said.

Sheppard and Sean began the concert with work by Mozart and Schubert. The pair also performed African-American spirituals such as “Don’t You Let Nobody Turn You Roun’,” “I’m Goin’ to Tell God All My Trouble” and “There is a Balm in Gilead” in honor of Black History Month.

Sheppard acknowledged FBAC member Paul Gallagher, who worked within Sheppard’s busy schedule to help bring him to Freehold. A graduate of Syracuse University and New York University, Sheppard has sung leading operatic roles with the San Francisco Opera, Syracuse Opera, Central City Opera, New York City Opera and Glimmerglass Opera, among others. Sean has studied at the University of Michigan, the Royal Academy of Music and the Mannes College of Music. He has made solo appearances at the Hot Springs Music Festival, the Centre d’Arts Orford, the International Keybord Festival and the École Normale de Musique.

Audience members were impressed with the musicians and the FBAC’s ability to bring Sheppard and Sean to Downtown Freehold. Jim Palmer came from North Brunswick to see the concert.

“It was well worth the trip,” Palmer said. “It’s nice to have an opportunity to see something of this caliber in our own backyard. The arts council is to be commended.”

In addition to the musical performance, the audience was able to view artwork by Earl Marshawn Washington and original screen prints by Andy Warhol on display in the back of the church. After the concert, those in attendance were invited to the American Hotel for a chance to meet Sheppard and Sean. The pair even extended the performance, playing a song on a piano in the hotel lobby, according to FBAC Vice President Brian Sullivan.

For its next event, the FBAC will host a at the American Hotel’s Majestic Ballroom on Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and advance purchase is recommended. Visit the FBAC’s Web site or the group’s Facebook page for more information.