Our concert series, Music in the Meetinghouse, continues the long tradition of churches as patrons of the arts. The series is curated by conductor, keyboardist and educator Dr. Frank Martignetti, First Church’s Director of Music & Organist. This series offers our audiences a chance to experience great music in a friendly environment within a historic and exquisite setting.
This series is made possible by generous donations by the church congregation and the community at large. We are thankful to the artists, sponsors and supporters who come together to make this beautiful program a success. We invite you to join us for upcoming performances and to browse the archive of past performances.
If you would like to donate to the Music in The Meetinghouse program please click below for the dedicated Concert Fund.
Our building, Tiffany windows, pipe organ, and concerts have earned us the distinctiion of being the first house of worship in the state of Connecticut to be part of an official Cultural District. We are also a frequent venue for community music groups including the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, Connecticut Chamber Choir, Fairfield County Chorale, and Fairfield County Children’s Choir.
2026-2027 Concerts & Series
We are excited to announce our Fall 2026 MTM concert programs.
Two Poles: Music of Frederic Chopin & Tomasz Kowalczyk Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM Benita Rose, piano: Fresh from her fifth world tour, internationally-known concert pianist Benita Rose presents the music of Poland’s most distinguished composer, Frederic Chopin, juxtaposing it with music of an up and coming star of Polish music: Composer, pianist, poet, and author Tomasz Kowalczyk. Tickets: $30/$20 for seniors/$10 for students. Youth 18 and under free. GBAGO Presents Pipescreams: Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM Hear our magnificent Klaus pipe organ played in a delightfully spooky fashion, as members of the Greater Bridgeport Area Guild of Organists join us to perform some haunting (and really fun) music This concert, a First Church tradition, is the perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit. Costumes are optional, but welcome! And please bring the kids! This is a not-too-scary concert for all ages. Details on tickets and more information to come. Sunday, November 15, at 4:00 PM The Kalish-Walker Duo: American Dreams Music in the Meetinghouse celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States as we present the Kalish-Walker Duo in American Dreams. 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this concert will explore the question of what makes music sound, or feel, American? Our performers suggest American music possesses an immense sense of possibility and underscored by vibrant optimist. You will also hear a longing for an imagined utopia, a place of safety and belonging. This program for violin and piano celebrates who we are and who we aspire to become as a nation and a people. The music of John Corigliano, William Grant Still, Curtis Stewart, Michael Abels, and Leonard Bernstein will be among the featured works. Planned program selections include: Aaron Copland, Simple Gifts John Corigliano Violin Sonata Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, arr. Maude Powell Deep River Blind Tom Wiggins The Battle at Manassas Gershwin, arr. Heifetz Porgy and Bess: It Ain’t Necessarily So, Bess You Is My Woman Now, Tempo di Blues Curtis Stewart 24 American Caprices: Isn’t She Lovely Leonard Bernstein West Side Story Suite, arr. Penaforte, Somewhere and America Tickets: $30/$20 for seniors/$10 for students. Youth 18 and under free. Lenten Organ Recital Series The Lenten Recital Series is an annual First Church tradition, that offers the congregation and wider community a chance to listen to some extraordinary music during the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at lunch time and feature a short musical program performed by some extraordinary musicians, followed by a delicious light lunch prepared by church volunteers. The concerts and the meals continue to get raves! Details on the 2027 series are as follows: Concerts: Wednesdays from 12:15-12:45 p.m. February 17 thru March 17, 2027 Admission: Donations in the form of a free will offering to cover expenses for lunch and the concerts are greatly appreciated! The performers: This year’s artists to include Nick Botkins of Basilica of St. John, Stamford; Sandor Szabo of Sacred Heart Church, Dobbs Ferry, NY; and our own Dr. Frank Martignetti, First Church of Fairfield. |
ARCHIVES
The many wonderful artists that have graced our sanctuary in recent seasons include: The Borealis Wind Quintet, violinist Andrew Sords, pianist Elizabeth DeMio,The West End String Quartet, and jazz artists Joe Carter and Chris Coogan, as well as a who’s who of distinguished organists from throughout the tri-state area.