Nativity Episcopal Church welcomes back Rising Artists favorite Nathan Francisco playing rare works for viola da gamba. The gamba is a Baroque instrument that looks very much like a cello with the most obvious difference being frets, like on a guitar. Works include selections from Telemann’s newly discovered set of Fantasias, his Sonata for solo gamba and the unpublished G-major Suite by the French composer Louis de Caix d'Hervelois.

This performance is part of the Church of the Nativity’s monthly Rising Artists series featuring Chattanooga’s most accomplished young musicians performing works for voice or instrument and organ.

Nathan Francisco, 16, plays the viola da gamba, cello and organ and is constantly expanding his skills with other instruments, as well. This year, he tied for first place in the senior high school division of 2018 Tennessee Cello Workshop Competition after winning the lower division last year. A past winner of the Southern Adventist University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, Nathan premiered his own string orchestration of Josef Suk's Ballade for Cello and Piano at the Chamber Music Weekend this summer. As a homeschooler, Nathan’s flexible schedule gives him the time to practice and travel extensively to study cello with Wesley Baldwin at UT Knoxville, organ with Judy Glass at Southern Adventist University and viola da gamba with Martha Bishop in Atlanta.

PLEASE NOTE: This performance takes place during the worship service and is followed by a reception. Childcare is provided.