From our location at the heart of downtown Columbus, First Church presents its 35th concert season. Two incomparable organs totaling more than 8,000 pipes, distinguished artists, great choral music, a majestic setting and the support of the community have made this a series known for its excellence. The new season features:
Sept. 21, 4 p.m. - The Mainstreet Brass: The five members of Mainstreet Brass present a varied repertoire spanning the centuries, from florid 17th century canzons and Bach transcriptions to memorable show tunes and blues classics.
Oct. 19, 4 p.m. - Organist Thomas Trotter: British virtuoso organist Thomas Trotter is professor of organ at the Royal College of Music, organist at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey in London and for the City of Birmingham.
Nov. 9, 4 p.m. - Three Choirs Concert at Broad Street Presbyterian Church: The First Church Choir joins the choirs of St. Joseph Cathedral and Broad Street Presbyterian for a concert of glorious anthems and hymns.
Dec. 14, 4 p.m. - G. Dene Barnard, Organist: Organist Emeritus G. Dene Barnard performs the works of Olivier Messiaen on the 100th anniversary of Messiaen's birth.
Dec. 21, 4 p.m. - Christmas Lessons and Carols: The First Church Choir, Treble Choir and Gallery Handbell Choir offer seasonal music in this traditional service when lessons are read and Christmas carols are sung by all. Both the Kimball and Beckerath organs are heard during the prelude, which begins at 3:30 p.m., and throughout the service.
Feb. 22, 4 p.m. - Handbells Columbus: Fourteen professional handbell ringers delight the audience with six octaves of handbells and music for handbells and organ, including a newly-commissioned piece.
March 29, 4 p.m. - The First Church Choral Society: The singers of the First Church Choral Society lift their voices and fill the church with magnificent music.
April 5 (Palm Sunday), 7:30 p.m. - King of Kings, Clark Wilson, Organist: Cecil B. DeMille's classic 1927 movie depicting the life of Jesus is seen in First Church's sanctuary and is accompanied by concert theater organist Clark Wilson on the Kimball organ. Wilson is the organist for the summer movie series at the Ohio Theatre.
April 26, 4 p.m. - Organist Eric Plutz: Our final concert of the 2008-2009 season will be an exciting recital of organ music by Eric Plutz, university organist at Princeton University and one of our country's finest performers.
Additional information will appear in newsletters, epistles, bulletins and letters. Your presence is always welcome and appreciated!