Free at 3 Presents: Nicky Spence and Dylan Perez at First Reformed Church

A Tenor of International Acclaim Brings Musical Magic to Holland
The Free@3 Concert Series presents an extraordinary afternoon of song when OBE-honored tenor Nicky Spence joins prize-winning pianist Dylan Perez for a captivating recital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church.
Winner of BBC Music Magazine's Personality of the Year and the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer Award, Nicky Spence is one of Scotland's most celebrated musical exports. Made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in King Charles's inaugural Birthday Honours, Spence brings world-class vocal artistry and an infectious passion for making classical music accessible to everyone. The Guildhall School of Music and Drama recently established a scholarship in his name to support singers from underserved communities—a testament to his belief that extraordinary talent knows no economic boundaries.
Joining Spence is the sublime Dylan Perez, whom The Sunday Times describes as "completely intuitive." Winner of the prestigious Gerald Moore Prize, Perez is one of Britain's most sought-after vocal collaborators. His recording of Samuel Barber's complete songs earned BBC Music Magazine's "Recording of the Month" and five stars from The Sunday Times. Perez is also a native of Holland, Michigan, and studied with Joan Conway, curator of the Free@3 concert series.
Together, these consummate artists will take listeners on a journey through the heart of the art song tradition. The program opens with romantic gems by Strauss, Hahn, and Dunhill's ethereal setting of Yeats's "The Cloths of Heaven." Schubert's timeless "An Sylvia" sits alongside John Dankworth's jazzy Shakespeare settings, proving that the Bard inspires musicians across centuries.
The Scottish connection deepens with traditional songs arranged by Benjamin Britten and others, including "O Can ye sew Cushions?" and "The Wee Cooper of Fife." American art songs by Bolcom, Ireland, and Barber demonstrate profound emotional range, while Italian favorites include Tosti's bittersweet "L'Ultima Canzone" and the ebullient "Funiculi Funicula."
The concert culminates in theatrical sparkle: Sondheim's sophisticated gems, Noël Coward's witty "Don't put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington," and Jeremy Nicholas's charming "Valentine Card."
Nicky Spence isn't just a world-class vocalist—he's a broadcaster on Sky Arts and BBC Radio dedicated to breaking down barriers and bringing opera and art song to new audiences. His warmth, humor, and genuine passion make every performance a celebration. And in Dylan Perez, he has found the ideal musical partner—an accompanist whose sensitive musicianship has made him faculty at both the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Best of all, this world-class concert is absolutely free and open to the community—a gift to Holland made possible by generous local donors. Whether you're a classical music devotee or attending your first art song recital, this concert offers something magical: two artists at the peak of their powers performing repertoire that spans centuries, languages, and styles.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 28, at 3:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church, 630 S. State Street, Holland. This is the kind of concert that reminds us why live music matters. Don't miss this event, it is a rare and special opportunity to enjoy world-class music in our own backyards. Join us!

Time: 15:00-16:00