It is a true privilege and delight to welcome you to our 2025-2026 season of concerts and gallery exhibits. No matter where you are in your musical and artistic journey, let Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church be a place for joy, welcome, connection, and the feeling that live arts bring.
This season brings a broad array of experiences, including the Silent Film “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” accompanied by organ improvisation, a stirring holiday concert titled “Prologue to Epilogue: A Musical Telling of the Advent & Christmas Story,” a special appearance by the legendary Westminster Choir, a return of Paul Winter’s stirring “Missa Gaia,” and two instrumental series designed to celebrate Advent and Lent. I am excited to play a concert in November titled “These are My Favorite Things,” organ works that are near and dear to my heart.
I am especially thrilled to welcome my new colleague, James Kealey. James joins us as Co-Director of Music and Fine Arts. In just a few short weeks, he has already established himself as a creative giant and a magnificent human being. I look forward to introducing him to you in the coming months.
James and I look forward to welcoming you to this new season of music and art. May your visits to BMPC be a time of blessing and spiritual renewal.
Jeffrey Brillhart Director of Music & Fine Arts
Music Highlights
Silent Film with Organ Accompaniment
Fri.,Oct.31,8:00p.m.,Chapel
Experience “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” a 1923 silent classic with live, improvised organ accompaniment from BMPC’s award-winning organ scholar, Daniel Carroll.
All Saints’ Sunday
Sun.,Nov.2,10:00a.m.,Sanctuary
A moving service of remembrance with reflective choral and instrumental music.
These are My Favorite Things, Organ Recital
Sun.,Nov.16,2:00p.m.,Sanctuary
Enjoy a recital of Jeffrey Brillhart’s favorite organ works, showcasing the Sanctuary’s renowned Rieger organ. Works by Vierne, Reger, Karg-Elert.
Chapel Piano
Rededication Concert
Sunday,Nov.23,2:00p.m.,Chapel
Celebrate the restoration of our 1926 Steinway piano with an afternoon of beautiful music in an intimate setting.
Prologue to Epilogue
Sun,Dec.14,4:00p.m.,Sanctuary
A musical telling of the Advent and Christmas story through music, featuring seasonal music performed by the BMPC Choirs and brass in a candlelit setting.
Begetter and Begotten
Sun.,Feb.22,4:00p.m.,Sanctuary
The 60-voice Westminster Symphonic Choir, conducted by Grammy award-winning conductor Donald Nally, presents a program of “father and mother” pieces, featuring foundational works by Duruflé, Stravinsky, Vasks, Brahms, and contemporary composers.
Good Friday
Fri.,Apr.3,7:30p.m.,Sanctuary
A moving service of shadows and sound, marking Christ’s final hours through powerful music and scripture. Arvo Pärt’s Passio will provide the centerpiece of this service, a deeply expressive and contemplative setting of the Passion story.
Missa Gaia: Earth Mass
Sun.,Apr.19,4:00p.m.,Sanctuary
Paul Winter’s powerful blend of jazz, world music, and natural sound returns in celebration of creation and spirit.
Featuring students from the Curtis Institute of Music’s Organ Department.
Community
Events
Lyric Fest Concert: Biography in Music
Saturday, October 4 at 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Winaretta Singer Polignac
Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary
The Music of George Gershwin
These unique programs blend storytelling and song to explore lives through music.
AGO January Jumpstart: James Kealey Organ Recital
Saturday, January 17, 12:00 p.m., Sanctuary
The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents January Jumpstart, a one-day workshop for church musicians and organists, featuring a closing performance by BMPC’s James Kealey.
Main Line Symphony Orchestra: The Planets
Friday, February 27, 8:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Don’t miss Holst’s iconic work performed by our local symphony.
Gallery Exhibition Dates
Member Perspectives:
Artists of BMPC
November 2 – December 21
Gaia: In Reverence to Earth
March 1 - April 26
Gallery Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. - noon
Alice Dustin: Flora & Fauna
September 7 - October 26
Richard Ranck: Journeys
January 4 - February 22
Domenic DiStefano: Dynamic Watercolors
May 3 – August 30
To schedule a group tour or exhibit your work, email ToriFisher@bmpc.org
