A press release with phrases like "nationally acclaimed composers," "co-sponsored by the Schubert Club" and "free" is bound to catch my eye these days. And that’s just what arrived in my email today from the Bethlehem Music Series.

On Jan. 25, the Bethlehem Music Series and the Schubert present "Masters of Song; Sweetly Your Voice," a "potpourri" of 21st century art songs written by composers Abbie Betinis and Jocelyn Hagen (both St. Olaf College graduates). Two world premiere compositions will be presented on the program. Performers include baritone Bradley Greenwald, and sopranos Carrie Henneman Shaw and Linh Kauffman. Clarinetist Jennifer Gerth, pianist Sonja Thompson and cellist Sally Dorer will also be featured. 

The free concert will be at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis. Furthermore, free child care is offered for children under age 3.

I couldn’t help but ask Maria Bucka, artistic director for Bethlehem’s series, how in the world a church is able to offer free concerts of this caliber. It turns out Bethlehem has been doing this for 27 years, thanks to the generosity of the church foundation, patrons, attendees and employee matching grants. Offerings also are usually taken before the performance.

The series, which offers five to six performances per year, operates on an annual budget of between $25,000 and $30,000. "It’s a lot to offer for not a lot of money," Bucka says, adding that the series has built up reserves over the years so that "we can be frugal and not break the bank."

Performances don’t just run to choral and organ, Bucka says. "It can be bluegrass; it can be jazz, orchestra, brass; it can be vocal and dance and drama presentations. ... We also have one event per year for children."

You can see a lineup for this season here.

Bucka recommends getting there by 3:30 p.m. for a pre-concert session with the performers and to get a seat. Though the church can seat up to 700 people, the sight lines are best for about 500. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Next up in February: jazz pianist Butch Thompson.