Concert Series
4PM on April 26th
Live & Streamed Here if you can’t make it to the church on time
Jeremy Filsell, Concert Organist and Pianist
World class artistry, dual-instrumentalist. An exceptional opportunity to experience both instruments in one afternoon. Join us to experience Jeremy Filsell’s astonishing virtuosity. He will mesmerize you as he takes on LJPC’s magnificent, lovingly curated Blackinton pipe organ and Steinway piano.
If you love piano music but are not quite sure about the pipe organ, or vice-versa, here’s your chance to come listen, watch, and experience the amazing physical feat and extraordinary skill of this dual-instrumentalist. You’re bound to be astounded. You don’t want to miss this!
Don’t miss this magical musical encounter with Dr. Jeremy Filsell, world-renowned keyboard virtuoso celebrated for his exptraordinary skill and artistry on both the piano and organ. It willl be an unforgettable performance. Invite a friend!
Enjoy the CONCERT. Stay for the RECEPTION WITH THE ARTIST
in Fellowship Hall following the concert.
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June 7, 2026, 4PM
Spring Choral Concert
Hear your LJPC Chancel Choir with chamber orchestra as they present the gorgeous “Illuminaire” by Elaine Hagenberg, and the exciting, uplifting Robert Ray Gospel Mass.
Using lesser-known sacred Latin, Greek, and English texts, Hagenberg’s “Illuminaire” takes us through a season of beauty and goodness that has been disrupted by darkness and confusion. But as Light gradually returns, hope is restored, illuminating our future and guiding us in peace. Your heart will be soothed and encouraged by the sheer choral beauty of this piece.
Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass has the improvisational feel of gospel, yet is also scored in detail with a restraint that lends the music not only gravitas but the timelessness of a classic. Ray’s gospel idiom is leavened with many other genres, including rock, jazz, funk, blues and pop. The publisher of the score describes it as “hip,” an appellation that seems almost quaint these days, even while the Mass itself fully retains its ability to fascinate listeners with a freshness of vision that has not dimmed in the decades since its premiere.
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Reflecting on LJPC’s 3rd Annual BRILLIANT BRASS Weekend (February 2026)
All present on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, enjoyed an utterly unforgettable afternoon with Spanish Brass. One of the world’s most celebrated brass quintets, this free LJPC concert showcased the brilliance, energy, and artistry that have made Spanish Brass an international favorite for more than 35 years. The ensemble provided an extra boost of inspiration to keep this fantastic program going!
Looking Ahead:
LJPC’s 4th Annual BRILLIANT BRASS Weekend!
Plans for “Brilliant Brass” 2027 are well underway and our guest artists will again offer top-tier expertise to local high scool and university musicians as they conduct a brilliant Brass Masterclass on Saturday, January 31. Observers are provided a rare opportunity to observe these artists at work mentoring young musicians.
No charge for admission, ever, for concerts or masterclasses. Free-will offering and donations throughout the year are graciously accepted to sustain this exemplary Community Outreach. We thank our many donors and supporters who make this glorious weekend possible. For more informtaion, contact the Concert Series via an email to CandaceM@LJPres.org.
COMING SOON:
Stay tuned for the story behind one family’s touching memory of wife/mom/trumpeter and their subsequent creation of a Foundation to support this Brilliant Brass weekend. Express your own interest in providing financial support to the LJPC Concert Brilliant Brass weekend by contacting the Series office at (858) 729-5520 or by email to the director: CandaceM@LJPres.org.
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Look-back at LJPC’s 2025 Christmas Concerts
On Sunday, December 14th, LJPC’s Chancel Choir of 65 voices with 34-piece orchestra, organ and piano enchanted the audiences by an exuberant performance of Francis Poulenc’s majestic, joyful “Gloria.” The children’s choirs took the stage at the 4PM afternoon concert and the beautiful sonorities of the Hand Bell Choir filled the sanctuary at the 7PM evening performance. Favorite carols and beautiful scripture readings were woven throughout the program, inviting all — in person and online — to reflect on the spirit and meaning of the season, and relish the warm sense of community with family and friends at La Jolla Pres.
Hear again the captivating LJPC 2025 Young Artists concert in this special ENCORE PERFORMANCE
In collaboration with our good friends of the Musical Merit Foundation of Greater San Diego, we presented three of this year’s top scholarship-winning young musicians. If you missed the live concert, you can hear the recording that captured the extraordinary artistry of mezzo soprano Mariam Mouawad, Ilana Shapiro on flute, and high school student Yoyo Wu on the marimba.
Experience these 3 incredible talents! Click here to enjoy the concert, RECORDED Sunday, November 9th at 4PM.
IF YOU MISSED IT…
We’ll feel sorry that you did because it was an amazing experience to hear Peter Mawanga and his ensemble perform music from the “warm heart of Africa,” Malawi!
On September 28th, we presented a very special concert where attendees stepped with us into the world of Nyanja Afro-Vibes. The soothing vocals and soulful rhythms of Peter Mawanga – ethnomusicologist, songwriter, producer, and educator – came to life with his unique blend of traditional Malawian music and modern influences, Peter’s music transcends borders and speaks to the hearts of music lovers worldwide. We walked away from this sublime experience filled with the spirit!
Concerts This Fall:
“ENCORE!”
When You Want MORE…
Chelsea Chen Organ Concert
Originally presented Sunday, May 4th
IF you missed it in May and want to enjoy the extraordinary artistry of “LJPC’s own” Chelsea Chen—here’s a golden opportunity:
ENCORE! View the recording of Chelsea’s mesmerizing May 4th concert: La Jolla native and internationally recognized musician Chelsea Chen delivered a stunning performance, blending classical organ repertoire with her own unique arrangements and original compositions. As a key feature of our LJPC Concert Series Season 66, this free concert was a beautiful afternoon of world-class music in the Sanctuary. Watch and share this special hometown performance with friends.
Why Support the LJPC Concert Series? A Donor’s Moment with You . . .
LJPC’s sparkling ‘Brilliant Brass’ program is just one of many in the La Jolla Presbyterian Church Concert Series that enrich our community through the universal language of music. We launched this annual Brass program in March 2024 with one local music educator and two brave young musicians participating . . . Center stage, one-on-one, with master musicians. In 2025, the program blossomed to 3 educators and a dozen brass students benefitting from personal coaching by the world-famous Canadian Brass. Imagine the inspiration derived from receiving one-on-one mentoring from your idols!
Your donations to our series not only help keep this tradition alive but also ensure that we can continue to host these inspiring events. . . . And since you asked, “YES! Our plans are already set for February 1, 2026!” We are thrilled to feature yet another world-class ensemble coming to perform in concert and generously share their expertise in a masterclass that’s destined to impact even more students in the LJPC sanctuary.
Each concert like this represents an opportunity to celebrate, remember, and connect—just as we honor memories like those of Peggy Williams Doole whose family sponsored a great part of our initial 2024 Brilliant brass weekend. By contributing, you’re supporting a space for artistic expression and community bonding that echoes through generations.
Join us in making music a pivotal part of our community’s life and legacy.
The LJPC Concert Series:
This 65-year-strong series is funded ENTIRELY by your generous donations.
There are 3 easy ways to give:
1) Mail or drop off a check:
La Jolla Presbyterian Church
CONCERT SERIES
7715 Draper Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
2) Make a Free-will Offering at Intermission of each concert. When the music moves you, you may feel inspired to respond accordingly!
3) Donate Online
to LJPC’s Concert Series.
CLICK to support concerts you love and love to share. It helps us bring more great music to La Jolla.
Experience the artistry and music of the LJPC Concert Series anytime on YouTube! Dive back into your favorite performances and discover new ones from our archives. Whether you’re reminiscing or exploring, our YouTube channel offers a rich array of concerts to enjoy. Click here to see the Playlist.