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 the address at the very bottom of this screen and specify ‘Music at First’ in the memo line, or you may give online (be sure “Music at First” is specified in the drop down menu).
MAF 2023-2024 Season
November 5, 11:00 am (Sanctuary)- “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest under the direction of Benjamin Horrell, choir director. Presented by FPC Chancel Choir and Chamber Ensemble. This presentation is underwritten by a generous donation from the Dan Cameron Foundation.
November 12, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- Organ Recital co-sponsored by Wilmington Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and MAF presented by nationally acclaimed organist Dr. Timothy Olson. Dr. Olsen is currently professor of organ at NC School of the Arts, Winston Salem. The concert will be presented on the historic 1928 E.M. Skinner pipe organ in the main sanctuary.
December 10, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- Holiday Concert featuring the choral department of J.T. Hoggard High School under the direction of Benjamin Horrell accompanied by John Tabler
December 17, 300 pm (Sanctuary)- Wilmington Voices will present a holiday choral concert featuring professional musicians from the Cape Fear Region under the direction of Angela Burns. The event will be held in the main sanctuary.
January 21, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- Carolina Classic presents a program of chamber music lead by Beverly Andrews, violin and guest musicians. Details TBA
February 18, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- Music at First hosts a co-sponsored event with Thursday Morning Music Club Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the club’s presence in Wilmington. Presented by Tallis Chamber orchestra, talented TMMC musicians and scholarship participants.
March 17, 5:00 pm (Kenan Chapel)- FPC Coastal Strings will present Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 1 KV478. Kristine Maynard, violin; Diane Stephens, viola; Kathy Meyer, cello; John Tabler, piano and Five Fantasy Pieces – Schilflieder (Song of the Reeds) Opus 28 by August Klughardt for Oboe, Viola and Piano featuring Amy Hinson on the oboe along with Diane Stephens, viola and John Tabler, piano.
April 21, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- Solo piano recital by the talented Domonique Launey. This concert has become a favorite of Music at First patrons and the community. The recital will be given on the beautifully crafted 6- ft Shigeru Kawaii piano given by Charlotte and David Klein.
May 19, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- An Afternoon of Choral and Vocal Music presented by the vocal department of First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Benjamin Horrell and John Tabler and choral scholars and featured choir members of FPC.
June 9, 5:00 pm (Sanctuary)- Port City Music Festival under the direction of Stephen Framil. Program specific -TBA.