Music & Arts

First Presbyterian Church of San Diego has enjoyed a long tradition of presenting a wide variety of outstanding music presentations to the members of its church and community abroad. We invite you to consider joining the music ministry of FPC as we seek to glorify God with the gifts He has bestowed upon us. If you are looking for a place to worship and use your talents, we humbly encourage you to visit us and consider the following opportunities:

  • Westminster Choir
  • FPC Contemporary Worship Team (vocal/instrumental)
  • FPC Orchestra
  • FPC Children’s Choir

A mission of the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego is the promotion of excellence in the arts. The location, history, habits, and values of the congregation point toward a calling to encourage the flourishing of the arts among our members and within our city – the performing arts, not least music, and other arts taught to children, promoted among the young, called forth from all; connecting to the professional musicians of the city and churches of the city; hosting a strong variety of events that invite all to appreciate the creative gifts of God given to humanity – all for the sake of humanity flourishing. The resources of the congregation – our location, 1500 seat sanctuary and more intimate chapel, the organ, the professional musicians on staff and within the membership – are to be directed to invite artists, and thus the arts, to excel within church and city.

Besides classical instrumental and choral music, the church also offers worship in contemporary styles. The 1200-seat sanctuary has hosted a variety of musical artists, concerts and revivals.

The vocal programs are rich in breadth and depth. The Westminster choir has presented works by contemporary composers such as John Rutter or Joseph Martin, and many works by the giants in sacred music – Bach, Handel, etc. Through the past 50 years the choirs have been led by only 3 directors – Keith Whitlock, Myron Tweed, and Harold Lutz.

For decades, the Casavant Frares organ has been one of the finest instruments on the West Coast. In addition to supporting worship on Sunday mornings, the instrument is featured in concerts, supports powerful choral productions, and has been used for organ workshops and seminars.

The current organist is Jan Feher, who has been playing (in various churches) since she was nine years old. Previous organists at the church include: Tom Leonard, Bob Plimpton, Jet Turner, and Virginia Cox.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday February 10th, 2012; 7:00 PM

The first concert of 2012 is coming – Sights & Sounds of Northern Germany!

This is a very special presentation which combines beautiful organ music with pictures of the churches and countryside where the music originated.

This  multimedia evening is  presented by organist Janice Fehér and her photographer husband, Béla. The Fehérs will take us on an excursion through large cities and cathedrals, small North Sea churches and the beautiful German countryside.

There will be a special early-bird photo preview starting at 6:30 PM.

This is a great venue to invite friends to travel with you through northern Germany!

Saturdays, 5:00 PM, Chapel: Jazz Vespers Service with Archie Thompson
San Diego Jazz musician Archie Thompson will head a cadre of local jazz musicians in an evening of celebration, joy, and worship! This event is part of a new Saturday evening worship experience called Jazz Vespers.