Music Fine Arts
The Music Fine Arts Series is one of the church’s largest commitments to the Sarasota area. This concert series has a long and distinguished history in Sarasota and the surrounding communities. First United Methodist church has been, for many years, a desirable concert venue due to its prime downtown location and large seating capacity. In 2011, the sanctuary underwent significant renovations which resulted in the expanded chancel area and locally unparalleled acoustics. Music of all genres - jazz, classical, modern, choral, orchestral - sound amazing in this sacred space.
For the first time since its inception, the Music and Fine Arts series is being offered free to the public. The current season features many contrasting genres and performers, and it is the hope our Music Department that you take this opportunity to experience some or all of this series in this unmatchable concert venue.
Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 4 p.m.
Spooktacular Pipes on Pineapple
Wear your favorite Halloween costume, learn about the history of Halloween, and be thrilled by the virtuosic ‘pipes’ of baritone Daniel Hoffman and organist Michael Stuart. The program features ‘spooktacular’ seasonal favorites, including excerpts from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata in D Minor. Free Admission
Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 4 p.m.
Ana Rodriguez: Living Latin Rhythms
Revel in exhilarating music written by living composers, filled with alluring melodies and sparkling rhythms. An exciting young pianist from South Florida, Ms. Rodriguez performs music drawn from Florida’s unique cultural heritages. The program features composers from Latin America, Spain and Florida, including Claudia Montero, Yalil Guerra, Rafael Landestoy, Mateo Soto, and a world premiere by Ms. Rodriguez. Free Admission
Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 3 p.m.
Pat Stenberg Memorial Concert
A fundraiser for local music groups which offers youth scholarships, competitions, internships and young artist programs. Several sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota along with local artists present a variety of music from classical to popular styles. All proceeds from this concert are donated to local Sarasota and Manatee County music groups. $15 Ticket (at the door)
Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 7 p.m.
First Church Christmas Gala and Carol Sing
The First Church Singers join in a stirring collaboration with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) to perform the popular Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and The Many Moods of Christmas by Robert Russell Bennett. The combined forces of these two choirs and full orchestra will surround you with the sounds of Christmas at its finest. Free Admission
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 7 p.m.
Millikin University Choir
The flagship of the Millikin choral fleet, the University Choir, features 43 students from a variety of majors. In recent years, the choir has also toured internationally to Spain, Ireland, Scotland, England, China, Taiwan, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The Millikin University Choir has gained national recognition, due in part to six invitations to perform at national and regional conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Free Admission
Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Brass Roots Trio: Reflections of Peace
Travis Heath (trumpet & flugelhorn), Douglas Lundeen (French horn & vocalist) and Rosetta Senkus Bacon (piano) infuse their music with exuberant energy, and their warmhearted presentation makes an immediate connection with the audience.
The Brass Roots Trio has dazzled audiences and critics alike with their breath-taking virtuosity, artistic passion, and adventurous programming. Reflections of Peace reminds us that hope and peace in the world today can, indeed, be achieved. Free Admission
Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 6 p.m.
Musicians of First Church: Seasons of Love
Celebrate your Valentine by joining the Musicians of First Church in a romantic evening of love songs. Savor musical favorites from Broadway, light opera, and popular songs. This program not only delights the ear, it also satisfies the taste buds with sweets from a delectable dessert buffet. Free Admission
Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Bay Arts Trio: Classical Latin Rhythms
The Bay Arts Trio - Sarasota’s violinist Margot Zarzycka, pianist Lise Frank, and cellist Diego Villa - presents an enchanted performance of classical music with a Latin Flair. This stirring concert features music of favorite South American composers including Joaquín Turina, Astor Pantaleó Piazzolla, Carlos Gardel and Manuel de Falla. The Bay Arts Trio interprets this exciting repertoire with insight, passion and clarity. Free Admission
