MUSIC FILLS HISTORIC WILLIAMSBURG OPERA HOUSE ONCE AGAIN

Restored Opera House Hosts “Spirit of Christmas” Concert

The “Spirit of Christmas Concert,” hosted by Futures in Education to raise money to support scholarships for Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn, took the stage last night at the newly renovated Emmaus Center in Williamsburg.

The concert featured a selection of Christmas and spiritual songs performed by contemporary Christian music artist and songwriter Matt Maher, and American operatic tenor Danny Rodriguez.  The show also featured entertainment from one of the three New York Tenors, Christopher Macchio, as well as movie star Daniel Roebuck.  Anthony Mangano, star of film and song, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The newly refurbished and named 600-seat Emmaus Center is housed in the historic Williamsburg Opera House which was built in 1897. Many of the historical details of the theater were maintained in the renovation.

“This is a place that has strong history and tradition. I love the name Emmaus, because this is to be a place of encounter. People are going to encounter Jesus Christ through the arts and through encounters with one another.  I am so proud to be part of this grand opening, and for all of those who support Futures in Education, as students will have the chance to encounter Jesus and His love through the gift of a Catholic education,” said The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

To learn more about the history, mission, and upcoming events at The Emmaus Center, visit emmausbrooklyn.org.

Matt Maher playing the piano at the Spirit of Christmas Concert.
Christian music artist and songwriter Matt Maher headlined the Spirit of Christmas concert sponsored by Futures in Education.
Representatives of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and the entertainers, take a group photo at the end of the concert.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development for the Diocese of Brooklyn, Matt Maher, Christopher Macchio, Bishop Robert Brennan, Daniel Rodriguez, Anthony Mangano, and Daniel Roebuck, joined together on stage at the end of the show.