Penn Street Arts

First Presbyterian Church's annual concert series

Penn Street Arts

Arts Program in Fort Worth

 

First Presbyterian Church, through the Penn Street Arts series, hosts several concerts annually. Penn Street Arts adds to the excellence of the music and arts in the Fort Worth community. Come hear the sounds of our distinguished adult, youth, and children's ensembles, as well as local, regional, and international groups renowned for excellence. The series also strives to offer the sights of various performing and visual artists. All concerts in this series are free and open to the public. All concerts are held in the First Pres Sanctuary unless otherwise noted.

2026-27 season

Texas Boys Choir: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7 p.m.

Experience the beautiful sound and artistry of the Texas Boys Choir in an inspiring evening of choral music, featuring repertoire performed by one of Texas’s renowned boys’ choirs.

TMEA Region 2 1A-4A All-Region High School and Middle School Choirs: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 4 p.m.

We are delighted to welcome the talented young singers of the TMEA Region 2 1A–4A All-Region High School and Middle School Choirs. This concert celebrates their enthusiasm, dedication, and the joy of coming together in song.

Advent Afternoon Organ Concerts & Lunch Fellowship: Wednesdays, December 2-23, 12:30 p.m.

Following the Noon Advent Service, enjoy 30 minutes of beautiful and inspiring organ music in the Sanctuary, followed by lunch and fellowship at 1 p.m. in the West Concourse.

  • December 2: Bradley Hunter Welch, Resident Organist, Lay Family Chair, Dallas Symphony Orchestra/Artist-in-Residence, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church; Dallas, TX.
  • December 9: Rebecca Sawyer, Music Associate at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth, TX.
  • December 16: Love Benson, DMA candidate in Sacred Music with Organ at Baylor University, Waco, TX.
  • December 23: Dalaie Choi, Associate of Chapel Music and Collaborative Art at St. Andrew’s School , Middletown, DE.
Christmas & Carol by Fort Worth Opera: Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 p.m.

Celebrate the season with Fort Worth Opera’s beloved carols and joyous Christmas music sure to brighten your celebrations. 

Organized Rhythm: Friday, February 5, 2027, 7 p.m.

A program of music for organ and percussion, exploring rhythm, texture, and color through works that highlight the unique interplay between the two instruments. 

Lent Afternoon Organ Concerts & Lunch Fellowship: Wednesday, February 17, 24, March 3-17 2026, 12:30 p.m. 

Following the Noon Lent Service, enjoy 30 minutes of beautiful organ music in the Sanctuary, followed by lunch and fellowship at 1 p.m. in the West Concourse.

  • February 17: Nathan Davy, Associate Director of Music and Organist at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas.
  • February 24: Michael Conrady, Director of Music, Organist and Choirmaster at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
  • March 3: Kit Jacobson, Director of Music and Organist at Church of the Incarnation, Dallas.
  • March 10: Ahreum Congdon, Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth, TX .
  • March 17: Janet Pummill, Organist at University Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX.
Concert Bells of Fort Worth, April 24, 2027, 4 p.m.

Celebrate the spring season with beautiful handbell music, showcasing the artistry, precision, and rich sonorities of Concert Bells of Fort Worth.

Organ & Violin Duo by Ken Cowan & Lisa Shihoten, May 6, 2027, 7 p.m.

A distinctive program featuring the unique combination of organ and violin, with Ken Cowan and Lisa Shihoten performing works that explore the rich colors and expressive possibilities of these two instruments.

The Patricia Organ

First Presbyterian Church is fortunate to have a prestigious organ as a part of its music ministry.

  • In 1917 the Kimball Organ Company installed an instrument of thirty ranks in the former First Presbyterian Church building at Fifth and Taylor.
  • In 1956, when the current Sanctuary was completed, the Kimball organ was moved to this location at 1000 Penn Street.
  • In 1959, the Reuter Organ Company added a three-manual console and several ranks of pipes.
  • In February 1995, a five-manual console was installed and 25 ranks of pipes were added to the chancel organ by the Garland Pipe Organ Company, under the direction of Dan Garland, a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church.
  • In 1996, an antiphonal organ of thirty-two ranks was installed in the gallery.
  • Today the combined chancel and gallery organs total 133 ranks, with a total of 7,333 pipes.

 

Contact Us

If you have questions about the series or are interested in bringing your group to perform at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth, please contact Ahreum Han Congdon, Music Director/Organist, at 817.335.1231.