“Music at the Gate,” a new concert series has been launched by St. Mary Gate of Heaven, the Montfort Missionary parish in Ozone Park. Its inaugural concert took place on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Phil Skabeikis, the series’ artistic director quoted Pope Benedict XVI saying, “Music has the power to lead us back…to the Creator of all harmony, creating a resonance within us which is like being in tune with the beauty and truth of God, with the reality which no human knowledge or philosophy can ever express.

“This is an important part of our evangelization initiative as well. Music elevates and brings the human spirit closer to God and our church offers a magnificent setting for this transformation.”

Joshua Bavaro, music director and conductor believes that “arts education is critical to our children’s development and to the sustainability of quality of life in our communities” and sees this kind of outreach to the younger generation as essential.

Both Bavaro and Skabeikis are parishioners at St. Mary Gate of Heaven and see this as a way of giving back to their parish.

The inaugural concert included Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Vivaldi’s Gloria performed by young musicians from both the Manhattan and Julliard Schools of Music and the Music at the Gate Chorus.

While admission is free, free-will donations are encouraged as are sponsorships from parishioners, friends and the local business community. For more information about “Music at the Gate,” call 718-847-5957.