The Interfaith Outreach of SanCap invites the community to its 2025 Shared Scholar Program, a free musical lecture “When The Soul Sings, The Spirit Soars” by Florida Gulf Coast University Music Department Leader Dr. Thomas Cimarusti. A catered reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and desserts will be held in the SCUCC’s Fellowship Hall following Dr. Cimarusti’s musical lecture.
Dr. Cimarusti is a Professor of Music History and Music Degree Program Leader at Florida Gulf Coast University, with a vast array of musical research interests. He has presented his research at conferences in Europe, Asia, and across the U.S. Dr. Cimarusti is also an avid accordion player and has performed with the Tallahassee Symphony, the Naples Philharmonic, and for university events. In 2018 he founded the Center for Public Musicology (CPM), an institution that promotes community engagement through private and public lectures, opera excursions, and ensemble instruction.
“At this special musical lecture, Dr. Cimarusti will focus on the Judaic origins of Christian worship music,” said Dr. Sheila Sklar, the chairperson of this year’s Shared Scholar Program. Dr. Sklar said she expects “all who attend will come away with a genuine feeling that when the soul sings, the spirit truly soars!”
This event is made possible by the Leo Rosner Foundation and by an interfaith coalition of congregations on Sanibel and Captiva, including Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Captiva Chapel by the Sea, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, and Sanibel Congregational UCC. The event will also benefit F.I.S.H., which asks that attendees please bring canned good or non-perishable items for donation, and which will be holding a 50/50 Raffle for all attendees.