Cultural Events Music Series

First United Methodist Church of San Diego’s cultural event music series brings a mix of classic and folk music to the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego. These free concerts take place throughout the year thanks to our generous donors. Please let us know if you'd like to support the CEC Music Series.

golden background with music notes and images of the musicians and artists scheduled for 2024-25 music series

Recent Concerts

Thank you for joining us for our 2024-25 Concert Season, featuring five unforgettable events! It was exciting to once again bring these free concerts to San Diego's Mission Valley. We'll be back with a new series of free events for our 2025-26 season. Stay tuned!

Spring Choral Concert: Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem

Saturday, May 3, 2025
4 PM | Sanctuary | Recording Available Online

Download Program

Enjoy a new transcription of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem that sharpens focus on the choir voices supported by pipe organ and select percussion instruments! Concert performed by Masterwork Chorale and First Church Chancel Choir, with Brian Woods-Lustig, conductor.

MAriachi Garibaldi

Saturday, January 25, 2025
4 PM | Linder Hall

This 15-student ensemble is directed by Dr. Jeffrey Nevin, composer, conductor and mariachi expert. Dr. Nevin is Professor of Music and Director of Mariachi Activities at Southwestern College in Chula Vista where he has developed one of the first mariachi programs in the country. Dr. Nevin is author of Virtuoso Mariachi, which details the history and development of Mexico’s traditional music. His student ensemble is in frequent demand around southern California. Arrive early to claim your favorite seat!

Advent Choral Concert

Saturday, December 14, 2024
4 PM | Sanctuary | Recording Available Online

Sung by the Masterwork Chorale and FUMCSD Chancel Choir, and conducted by Brian Woods-Lustig, this concert will get everyone into the Christmas spirit with works including Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, carols by Mack Wilberg, and even a few carols for audience participation.

"Modern Saints" Art Exhibition & Choral Concert

Saturday, November 2, 2024
4 PM | Linder Hall | Recording Available Online

Witness modern-day depictions of saints with an art exhibition featuring the work of Grace Morbitzer, while enjoying a choral concert of hymns and anthems sung by First Church San Diego's Jubilee Singers, Chamber Choir, and our youth ensembles. Conducted by Brian Woods-Lustig and Dana Zimbric. A recording of this Concert is available online.

Organ Concert Featuring Alan Montgomery

Saturday, October 5, 2024
4 PM | Sanctuary | Recording Available Online

Enjoy the artistry of Alan Montgomery, Interim Director of Music and Organist of the Riverside Church in New York. Mr. Montgomery holds degrees from the Juilliard School of Music and from the Royal College of Music in London. If you were unable to join in person, a recording of this free concert is available on YouTube.

Support the Music Series

Our music series is made possible through the support of generous donors. Please consider becoming a patron of the music series!
Make a Donation

A Word From the Cultural Events Music Committee

We are so fortunate to receive your generous contributions dedicated to the Cultural Events Committee Music Series. While we always have enthusiastic audiences for these concerts, the free-will offerings and donations at the door simply do not cover the actual expenses of underwriting these excellent performances. We are dedicated to producing only high-quality and inspirational events, so your donations truly make that possible.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at the Music Series concerts this season and for many years to come!

John Mathison, Chair, Cultural Events Committee
First United Methodist Church of San Diego

Cultural Events Committee

John Mathison, chair, Jim Bliesner, Demmie Divine, Katie Englund, Nick Hubsmith, Brian Woods-Lustig, Belen Poltorak, Suzanne Stofer, Katherine Stone, Nathan Stowe, Steve Zawadzki

Join a Choir at First Church San Diego

Experience the joy of singing, hand bells, and more! We have nine different music groups and experiences that meet throughout the year.

Explore Choirs