st. john’s ucc

Rachel Knappenberger, an 11th grader at Emmaus High School, will present a vocal recital 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in St. John’s United Church of Christ in Emmaus.

The free recital is part of the Sanctuary Serenade series offered by Star of the Day Event Productions in the church, 139 N. Fourth St., Emmaus.

Knappenberger, who has a life-long passion for singing, is grateful to Star of the Day for the opportunity to showcase her classical repertoire and to share her love of music.

The vocalist is the daughter of Dr. Kristine Knappenberger and Rev. Dr. Paul W. Knappenberger, who is pastor of St. John’s.

She has performed in several musicals, including “Footloose,” “Les Miserables” and “Stuart Little” at Star of the Day. She also has been in Emmaus High School’s productions of “West Side Story,” “Les Miserables,” “Hamlet” and “Our Town.”

Knappenberger is a part of the high school’s Chorale, Bella Voce, Select Choir and Acca Bella. Through those choirs she has performed in world-famous venues, including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Basilica and Carnegie Hall. She has toured with the Chorale in Boston and Italy and will do so again in Ireland and Scotland next spring.

Last year, she was part of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s District, Regional and All State choirs.

In solo work, she is one of the original members of Jr Divas!, a girl cabaret group that is part of Star of the Day.

Guest singers performing with Knappenberger Nov. 8 will include Kirsten Almeida, Robert Pierno and Brooke Seislove. Rhys Williams will provide the piano accompaniment.

A free will offering will be collected to benefit the church.