2025-26: Our 50th Season
The West Side Concert Series is excited to announce its 50th year of fine music in a setting that complements the talents of both composer and musician. The WSCS is an outreach of West Side Presbyterian Church and is committed to the belief that the arts are an expression of God’s grace and beauty, and are an important means of building a sense of community among people. The generosity of our benefactors allows us to maintain a “no admission fee” policy for our programs.
In keeping with tradition, the 2025-2026 season features something for everyone! We hope you will join us in our 50th year with your gift of support and your attendance at these exciting concerts.
Will Todd's Mass in Blue and Sacred Jazz
October 19, 3 p.m.
Our season opener of the 50th season will be an afternoon of sacred jazz, featuring Will Todd's modern masterwork, Mass in Blue alongside music of Duke Ellington, Joe Masters, and others, performed by the West Side Festival Choir, soprano soloist Suzanne Karpov, and an all-star band (Dan Willis on sax, Mark Peterson on bass, Scott Neumann on drums, and director Steven Seigart on piano).
Salix Piano Trio
November 16, 3 p.m.
Founded by longtime friends and colleagues, the Salix Piano Trio has performed and toured together for the past twenty years as members of the American Chamber Players, garnering high praise such as “a stunning performance” and “a must hear musical event” (Washington Post) They will present a wonderful program of Mozart, Shostakovich, Bridge, and the beloved Brahms B-major Trio.
Dr. Steven Seigart Organ Recital: "Improvisation and Imagination"
February 15, 3 p.m.
Award-winning organist and newly-appointed Minister of Music at West Side, Dr. Steven Seigart presents an organ recital featuring music as "imagined" especially for the mighty Nichols and Simpson organ, including music of Bach, Florence Price, transcriptions of music by Stravinsky and Saint-Saëns, and an improvisation on themes submitted by the audience.
The Montclair State University Singers and Vocal Accord
April 12, 4 p.m.
These acclaimed choirs at Montclair State University, led by Dr. Heather Buchanan, will bring us a dynamic program entitled Sky Above Me—Earth Below Me—Fire WithinMe, with traditional and contemporary choral repertoire that speaks to our aspirations, passion, and strength. Featuring music by Rheinberger, Lauridsen, Hagenberg, Runestad, Juneau, Kearney, Hogan and Dawson. This distinguished group is the New Jersey Symphony’s principal collaborator, and will be accompanied by collaborative pianist Greg Stout.
Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Oboist Philippe Tondre
June 7, 7:30 p.m.
Internationally-acclaimed oboist Philippe Tondre will share his amazing artistry with us in a dazzling array of varied repertoire, featuring music of Schumann, Haas, Musgrave, and Pixis, together with poetic pianist Jenny Chen.“ His music-making is packed with emotional intensity and stunning virtuosity. His intense tone radiates a wonderfully songlike aura, and the power and elegance of his playing connects with all audiences.”
Support West Side Concert Series: Become a Benefactor!
Through the generosity of our benefactors, and donations by concert-goers, the West Side Concert Series has been able to maintain a “no admission fee” policy since the 1970s. Please consider becoming a benefactor for this year’s season, and help us to continue the wonderful work of making this exceptional music available to all. Contributions to the West Side Concert Series are tax deductible.
Ministry of Music at West Side
Music has been a vital ministry at West Side Presbyterian Church since 1923. We believe that the highest calling of music is to praise God. And so, each Sunday during worship (8:15, 9:00 and 10:30 am), members of the choir, contemporary band and congregation offer their gifts Soli Deo Gloria, only to the glory of God.
Concert Series Committee
Chair: Scott Brubaker
Minister of Music: Dr. Steven Seigart
Advisory Board: Deborah Holden-Holloway, Jee Sun Lee, David Levy, Esther Van Ness, Roger Widicus and Chris Wilhjelm
Publicity: Caitlyn Moore
Audio-Visual: Albert Semler