Armadale Parish Priest Father Mark Baumgarten began making music again during the COVID lockdowns in 2020. Photo: Supplied.
Armadale Parish Priest Father Mark Baumgarten will next month host a live music event titled, “An Afternoon of Songs (and a few stories)”.
Fr Baumgarten made news earlier this year by releasing a debut album of original songs, written over a span of 20 years.
The album, titled Now and Not Yet, features a mix of songs from his pre-seminary days as a semi-professional musician, as well as more recent songs that reflect his path to the priesthood and parish life.
“I’m as surprised as anyone that this album came together,” Fr Baumgarten admitted.
Armadale Parish Priest Father Mark Baumgarten, at left playing the piano, with fellow musicians. Photo: Supplied.
“I had more-or-less let go that part of my life, and then during the lockdowns of 2020 it was as though the wheels started turning again.
“I was hesitant at first, not wanting to neglect my priestly responsibilities, but it seemed like something the Lord was asking me to do on the side.”
The concert will feature songs from the album as well as some of the stories behind the songs, and the Perth-born priest will again be joined by several of the musicians who helped record the album.
“Our album launch concert earlier this year went well, but it was a difficult time for live music, with mandatory face masks and the prospect of further shutdowns.”
Fr Baumgarten made news earlier this year by releasing a debut album of original songs, written over a span of 20 years. Photo: Supplied.
Fr Baumgarten said that he’s looking forward to a more relaxed atmosphere on this occasion: “It should be a lot of fun!”
Fr Baumgarten also revealed that he has begun work on a second album.
“The new songs have been written, and we’re currently finalising an initial single for release this Advent,” he noted.
“I’m looking forward to being able to share the new songs with everyone, but it will probably take a year or so to finish the second album. I do have a full-time job in the parish after all!”
Armadale Parish Priest Father Mark Baumgarten, at right playing the piano, will next month host a live music event titled, “An Afternoon of Songs (and a few stories)”. Photo: Supplied.
The concert will take place on Saturday 19 November from 3pm, in the Paul Latham Auditorium at Churchlands Senior High School.
Tickets are available online at www.trybooking.com/cdidx or by calling (08) 9399 2143 during office hours. Visit www.pianopriest.com for more information.