Music / Theater / Arts
First UMC has a rich history with its music program. Dr. James Smith, Director of Music for 61 years, has held innumerable Concerts, musicals, Summer Sings, Mid-Week Recitals. And most especially fifty years of Sundays on which God is praised through music in ways that touch our hearts and stir our souls!
Along the way, Jim has supported countless musicians, restored and tuned innumerable pianos, overseen the development and maintenance of our organ, and added a grand piano to the mix. He has worked with talented vocalists and composers. His music has delighted the hearts of many throughout the community. Most praiseworthy of all is his ability to make ordinary folks sound and feel like God’s own heavenly choir, coaxing gorgeous music from mere mortals week in and week out, all to the praise and glory of God.
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Spring Concert 2026
First UMC is excited to present our Annual Spring Concert recording! This year’s program features two major musical works of the 20th century: Requiem by Maurice Duruflé and Organ Symphony No. 3 by Camille Saint-Saëns. The combined musicians of a 60 voice chorus, pipe organ and the Los Angeles Concert Orchestra under the direction of Dr. James Smith musically fills the church for a truly memorable experience.
The Requiem, completed in 1947 is a magnificent blend of ancient Gregorian chants with rich French impressionistic harmonies—one of the most moving and respected works in sacred choral music.
The famous Organ Symphony No. 3, considered to be a landmark of French Romantic music, featuring thunderous chords from our church’s large pipe organ in concert with a full orchestra and 4 hand piano! First UMC organist, Ty Woodward is featured.
FIRST UMC CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2025
The First UMC Music Department joyfully presents our Annual Christmas Concert!
This year’s musical celebration features Arthur Honegger’s Une Cantate de Noël with the South Bay Children’s Choir—along with the return of our beloved “Carols, Etc.”
Enjoy the glorious sounds of the Chancel Choir and guest singers, the Los Angeles Concert Orchestra, and the South Bay Children’s Choir, all under the direction of James Smith.
The Mid-Week Recital series is Livestreamed monthly on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. Click on image above for schedule and past recital videos!
View the 2025 Spring Concert
Performances of:
– Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem
– Excerpts from beloved classics such as Vivaldi’s Gloria, Bach’s Magnificat, Mozart’s Requiem, and Verdi’s Requiem
– Orff’s Carmina Burana, Randall Thompson’s Alleluia, and Duruflé’s Requiem
– Mendelssohn’s Elijah and, the powerful Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.
A chorus of 60 talented singers and the renowned Los Angeles Concert Orchestra, conducted by Dr. James E. Smith.
View the 2024 Christmas Concert
First UMC Christmas Concert 2023
If you missed attending the First UMC Christmas Concert on December 3, or if you came and want to see it again, you may watch the concert at any time by clicking the video above! Featuring Haydn: Te Deum; Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Christmas Carols; and the ever popular Carols, Etc. Chancel Choir with guest singers, orchestra & Mark Twain Alumni Ringers.
Every Sunday during worship, the Chancel Choir graces us with beautiful music. Various guest musicians alongside Jim Smith, Music Director, and Ty Woodward, resident organist, have been featured during the Sunday online and In-Person worship service.
To read more about the First UMC Music Department and Arts at First UMC, click the links below: