Music at First is a monthly concert series featuring chamber music performed by local and nationally recognized musicians. Concerts include a wide variety of classical and folk music that span genres and centuries of music heard around the globe. All concerts are free and open to the public. Support for Music at First comes in part by individual patrons and donors from the community. Contributions are accepted at the door at each performance. Please come and enjoy the marvelous sound of music in a beautiful and acoustically pleasing space.
If you would like more information about upcoming concerts, email us with your request. If you would like to become a Patron of Music at First, there are two ways to do so. You may mail a check made out to First Presbyterian Church to 125 S. 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401 and specify ‘Music at First’ in the memo line, or you may give online via your Realm account ( please be sure “Music at First” is selected in the drop down menu).
Upcoming 2026 Events:
Sunday, May 17th @ 5pm in the FPC Sanctuary: “Our Hope, Our Life” A concert featuring the FPC Church Choir (directed by Benjamin Horrell), brass and orchestra ensemble with organ accompaniment by John Tabler.
This evening’s program traces the story of Christ and the life of the Church through the unfolding seasons of the Christian year. Beginning in hope with Advent, we journey through the anticipation of the coming Messiah, the joy of Christ’s birth, and the songs of praise and thanksgiving that arise from God’s abiding faithfulness.
As the music turns toward Lent, we enter a time of reflection, repentance, and the deep love revealed in Christ’s sacrifice. This path leads us to the radiant joy of Easter, where the resurrection is proclaimed in music of light and triumph. The celebration continues through Pentecost, where the Spirit empowers and renews the Church, and culminates in the kingship of Christ, reigning in glory over all creation.
Throughout this journey, congregational hymns invite all to participate in the Church’s song—linking past and present voices in a shared expression of faith. From quiet devotion to exultant praise, these works reflect the enduring truth expressed in our opening hymn: all our hope is indeed founded in God.
Sunday, April 19th @ 5pm in the FPC Sanctuary: Dr. Molly Hines, Violin and Domonique Launey, Piano. Music selections to include: “Sonata for Violin & Piano” by Claude Debussy, “Romance, Op. 23” by Amy Beach, and “Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 ‘Kreutzer'” by Ludwig von Beethoven.
Sunday, March 15th @ 5pm in the FPC Sanctuary: Coastal Strings Concert. Music selections include: “Trio No. 1, in B-flat Major, D. 471” by Franz Schubert, “Dumka” by Rebecca Clark, and “Piano Quartet No. 3 in B minor, Op. 3” by Felix Mendelssohn.
Sunday, March 22nd @ 5pm in the Kenan Chapel at Landfall: Coastal Strings Concert.
NOTE: Seats are limited so “free tickets” will be available for pick up at the New Hanover County Public Library – Northeast Branch (1241 Military Cutoff Rd) beginning Monday, March 16, 2026 @ 9am. First come, first served.
Coastal Strings featuring John Tabler on piano, Christine Maynard on violin, Diane Stephens on viola, and Kathy Meyer on cello.
No February events are scheduled at this time.
Classical Carolina
Sunday, January 11, 2026
5pm
FPC Sanctuary
Sunday, December 14th @ 5pm in the FPC Sanctuary: John T. Hoggard High School Holiday Choral Concert. This beloved music event has become a cherished tradition for many Wilmington families. Under the direction of Benjamin Horrell and accompanied by John Tabler, enjoy the Voyager voices as they fill the sanctuary with the sounds of Christmas.
Wednesday, November 19th @ 6pm in Gilmour Hall and the Sanctuary: “A Night with the Master” Join FPC’s Music Director, John Tabler, and Nick Thompson of A.Thompson-Allen Company for a light dinner and historical conversation about the E.M. Skinner organ in our sanctuary. The Thompson family is renowned for their intricate restorations of beautiful organs in many prominent buildings throughout the country.
Tuesday, November 11th @ 7pm in Kenan Chapel: Piano and Violin Performance featuring FPC’s Music Director John Tabler on piano, and Joshua Greenberger on violin.
Wednesday, October 29th @ 7pm in the FPC Sanctuary. Please join us for a step back in time as you watch the original movie version of “Phantom of the Opera” while John plays the musical soundtrack LIVE on our 1928 E.M. Skinner organ. This is the perfect midweek event to prepare you for the Halloween weekend and better yet, the event is FREE! A pre-concert reception will be held in the Gathering Place (located behind the Sanctuary) starting at 6pm.
