STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. —Pianist Jacqueline Schwab’s winter tide program “Be the Light” is set for Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island located in New Brighton.

Inspired by poet Amanda Gorman’s “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it,” “Be the Light” celebrates music “embracing hope, inner strength and change.”

Schwab’s program of soulful traditional Appalachian carols, sea island spirituals and well-known, vintage New England holiday standards, along with Hanukkah (“Festival of Lights”) tunes, and Cuban, Ukrainian, American Paul Simon, and other “music of transformation,” has been described as an oasis of quiet reflection, peace and joy “amidst this busy season in our challenging times.”

The program is being sponsored by the Staten Island Philharmonic Orchestra.

Schwab will also share stories about how historical tunes can speak to individuals in today’s world and “help create a ripple effect empowering the world.”

Though she resides in Boston, Schwab lived on Staten Island when her husband, Edmund Robinson, was interim minister of the Unitarian Church.

A LITTLE ABOUT SCHWAB

A solo pianist for many of Ken Burns documentaries, folks can hear Schwab in Burns’ latest series, “The American Revolution” airing on WNET Channel Thirteen, his Grammy-award winning “Civil War” and many others, as well as in other PBS documentaries, such as “The Irish in America–the Long Journey Home and New York–A Documentary Film.”

Schwab has performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton and one national PBS with The American Pops Orchestra. She also has accompanied Scottish singer Jean Redpath on public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and on CBS’s “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Schwab also is well known in the dance world for her playing with the Bare Necessities ensemble.

Her most recent solo album “I Lift My Lamp–Illuminations from Immigrant America” celebrates vintage music from American immigrants.

The Unitarian Church of Staten Island is located at 312 Fillmore St.

Though the is concert is free, donations will be gratefully accepted and earmarked for the Staten Island Philharmonic Orchestra.

For additional information email: chclark895@gmail.com.