The Selfish Giant Fairytale for Speaker and Piano 4 hands after Oscar Wilde op. 20a

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Main Street United Methodist Church will present The Selfish Giant Fairytale for Speaker and Piano 4 hands after Oscar Wilde op. 20a by German composer Stefan Heucke (b. 1959). The performance will feature the talents of Alyssa Conde and Aleksandra Velgosha both doctoral students in the School of Music at James Madison University. The Rev. Morris Fleischer will provide the narration.

Admission is free but a love offering will be received to benefit the Main Street United Methodist Preschool. Doors will open at 2:30 with the forty-five-minute performance beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Main Street United Methodist Church is located at 601 W. Main Street in Downtown Waynesboro.

The Selfish Giant is one of five charming stories in the collection The Happy Prince and Other Tales (1888) by Irish author Oscar Wilde. The story explores themes of selfishness redemption the importance of sharing and Christian allegories of divine love and salvation. The giant's initial selfishness leads to loneliness and a barren garden while his change of heart and generosity brings joy to the children and the return of spring. The little boy in the story is often interpreted as a Christ-like figure and his wounds are symbolic of the crucifixion. The ending signifies the giant's redemption and his entrance into paradise as a reward for his generosity and love. The story is considered a powerful message about the transformative power of love and kindness.

Contact Main Street United Methodist Church at (540) 942-1179 or bWFpbnN0dW1jIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20= for more information.

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