2026-2027 Vesper Concert Series
Organized Rhythm
September 20, 2026 | 5PM
Experience the thrilling sound of Organized Rhythm, the world’s only full-time organ and percussion duo, featuring Clive Driskill-Smith and Joseph Gramley. From Bach to contemporary masterworks, this unforgettable concert blends power, precision, and innovation in a performance you won’t want to miss.
All Saints Concert Lux Aeterna
November 1, 2026 | 5PM
This concert commemorating the Feast of All Saints serves as a prayer for the repose of the souls of the dead as well as a celebration of the saints in heaven. The First UMC Chancel Choir, chamber orchestra, and organ presents Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna. Composed in 1997, this work has earned a place as one of the most significant musical statements of the 20th century. Each of the five connected movements in this choral cycle contains references to “Light,” assembled from various sacred Latin texts.
Annie and Friends Piano Trio
January 31, 2027 | 5PM
Violinist Annie Chalex Boyle joins pianist David Palmer and cellist Wendy Warner for an evening of chamber music featuring Brahms’s Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8 and Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music. Don’t miss this program of friends sharing their artistry and virtuosity across two dynamic masterworks.
Voices of Houston
April 4, 2027 | 5PM
Voices of Houston is an award-winning choral ensemble dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of the Negro Spiritual through powerful performances of traditional, contemporary, and newly commissioned works. Founded in 2019, the choir has earned national recognition, including first place at the United Voices of Detroit Spiritual Festival and invitations to perform for major choral conferences and at Carnegie Hall. Through artistic excellence and cultural storytelling, Voices of Houston inspires connection across generations and communities.
God Shed His Grace on Thee: A Patriotic Festival
July 2, 2027 | 6:30PM
This well-loved, annual concert honors America and salutes those who serve in our military and its veterans. This concert features our First UMC Chancel Choir and talented musicians from our community in a showcase of America’s favorite anthems. Wave the flag, wear red, white, and blue, and stay afterward for hot dogs and ice cream.
ABOUT THE VESPER CONCERT SERIES
For over 47 years, the Vesper Concert Series has presented the finest musicians from around the world and our community as a ministry to Lubbock and the South Plains. Past performers include Chanticleer, the Choir of Clare College–Cambridge, Gerre Hancock, the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, The Kings Singers, John Rutter, John Scott, the Choir of St. Thomas Church–New York City, Frederick Swann, the Vienna Boys Choir, Sir David Willcocks, and the Tallis Scholars.
All Vesper Concerts are open to the public free of admission with open registration for provided childcare. Post-concert receptions hosted by the Vesper Concert Committee are wonderful opportunities for fellowship among guest artists and our community.
The Vesper Concert Series is made possible by the generous contributions of the FUMC Friends of Music. We invite you to join the Friends of Music in our continuing ministry of annual performances that nurture the community and soul. Any and all gifts are greatly cherished as investments in the future of our program.
To become a Friend of Music, contact First UMC Music Office: (806) 763-4607
or Dr. Pershuana Johnson, pjohnson@fumc.com.
