Concert benefits church, historical society

SHARON — For the first time, the Sharon Historical Society and the Sharon Congregational Church sponsored a joint concert to raise funds for preservation of both buildings. The concert, held at the church, featured the husband-and wife team of flutist Keren Schweitzer and cellist Jason Lippmann, who perform together as Duo Daru. Approximately 50 people attended the concert, including a number of teenagers.Liz Shapiro, executive director of the Sharon Historical Society since 1994, said local organizations do not have funds to make necessary repairs to preserve historic buildings. “Cooperating with the Congregational Church is a wonderful example of the community working together,” she said. “We all benefit.”The Rev. Terrance Ryan, pastor of the church, said of the church, “This structure dates from 1824. While it is home to the Sharon Congregational Church, it really belongs to the community.”Duo Daru’s program included music by Ludwig van Beethoven, J.S. Bach, Heitor Villa Lobos, Ian Clarke and Yuko Uebayashi. Schweitzer and Lippmann have been performing together since 1997 and have been married for five years. Lippman also performs with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and appears as a soloist with other groups. In the Tri-state area, he has performed at the Tanglewood and Bard festivals.Schweitzer was awarded the 2010 National Flute Association Convention Performer’s Competition. She has appeared at the Spoleto, Caramoor and Bowdoin Music Festivals. She is a frequent visitor to Sharon, where her father lives. When Shapiro mentioned that she would love to have Duo Daru play in Sharon, Schweitzer offered to donate a performance as a fundraiser the next time she was in town for a family visit. A reception followed the concert.