The church has been restoring its massive stained glass windows since 2005, and according to the church, 10 of the 26 windows have now been restored. This piano concert was a way of raising funds to continue the restoration process. Jeff Gardner, business manager for the church, said that Walters agreed to perform in this area before embarking on her Spring European tour in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The church, built in 1925, is reminiscent of European cathedrals, Gardner said, and the church owns a Concert Steinway piano. Walters is a Steinway Artist. “Praise God with the sound of the piano,” Pastor Sivers said in her introduction to Walters.
Each musical piece was complemented by a brief explanation given by Walters, exalting the composer and his spiritual affiliation. She played with joy and reverence, swelling with the music, her countenance changing in time with the music. At times of crescendo, she would tip her head skyward like she was looking at the sun.
While describing the music she was playing, Walters peppered her talk with quotes and history. She noted the transcendent timelessness of the music, as an eternal language, something that has inspired the world for hundreds of years and will continue to move through those who listen.”
|
“On a rainy Friday night, the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta opened its doors for a world renowned pianist’s benefit concert. Teresa Walters has played around the world, including New York City’s Carnegie hall and the Great Hall in Moscow, garnering praise all along the way. The pews were nearly filled Friday with concertgoers who came to see her, leaving their umbrellas leaning on the walls of the church.
Walters, who has performed for royalty and small community concerts alike, entered in a purple gown with designer sleeves. She played selections from Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Liszt. After intermission, she returned in a crisp white concert gown.
When Walters played, the pews were silent. At intermission, they broke into a flurry of whispers and admiration of her performance. Collection plates, brimming with envelopes, were passed around to help with the stained glass window project. 