Music / Theater / Arts
First UMC has a rich history with its music program. Dr. James Smith, Director of Music for over 55 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. But to my mind, 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.
The Mid-Week Recital series is Livestreamed monthly on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. You may watch a wide selection of the series via our webpage, our YouTube channel, and our First UMC App
Sign up to here to be added to the Music, Theater, Arts email list. You may also check out the church monthly Sentinel newsletter for upcoming events.
2024 EVENTS:
First UMC Spring Concert:
Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Michael McClish: World Premiere – Mass of Ascension
Poulenc: Gloria
Chancel Choir with guest singers, orchestra & Westwood Methodist Chancel Choir
No admission charge – Freewill Offering will be taken. Reception to follow performance.
Mid-Week Recitals – FREE concerts
Upcoming Recitals:
April 10: The Elixer Trio: Lucy Nargizyan, piano; Samvel Chilingarian, violin; Fang Fang Xu, cello
May 8: Phil Smith, organ
HOW TO WATCH RECITALS:
• Website: www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• Facebook: @santamonicaumc
• YouTube Channel: www.youtube/c/santamonicaumc
• The First UMC App: (To download, go to the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM)
Past Recitals: https://santamonicaumc.org/mid-week-recital-series/
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: