|
Art for Art’s Sake
Jeff Gardner, the church’s business manager, overheard her polished playing, came to listen, talked to the famed performer – and an idea was born. “We’ve been looking for a way to raise money to restore the stained-glass windows,” said Gardner, who has been overseeing the extensive decade-long renovations of the greystone complex at Chestnut and Church. “Our 100th Anniversary is coming up in 2026, and we want them all restored by then.” Walters is currently on a world tour performing “500th Birthday Party: A Musical Celebration,” marking Martin Luther’s posting of his revolutionary 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenburg Cathedral in 1517. The pianist loved First Methodist’s Steinway and offered to perform a benefit concert at the church as a fundraiser for the windows, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 6. “She was in Europe in January, and our church has a very European feel to it. I think that’s why she was drawn to it,” said Gardner. “And it’s her way of giving back.”
Walters earned her Doctorate from Peabody Conservatory and has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, among many other international venues. She is the first pianist invited to present three anniversary concerts in honor of Liszt’s birthday and is widely considered to be one of the foremost interpreters of his music. “This program is very inclusive of all faith traditions,” she said. “The chorales have historical roots in the Psalms, in the Jewish and the Roman Catholic faiths. The Reformation really opened the doors to greater religious freedom for all.”
|
“On a weekend getaway from the New York metropolitan area, acclaimed pianist Teresa Walters first went inside the imposing First United Methodist Church. “I’ve always thought it was beautiful,” noted Walters, who is a Steinway artist. “Inside, I noticed the 9 foot Steinway piano, and I sat down to play.” 
A review in Catholic New York, the diocese for New York City, enthused: “ethereal trills, athletic runs and lilting melodic phrases hang in the air, lovingly and meticulously rendered” in its review of an album of her performances. “One of our church members saw her perform in the Adirondacks”, said Gardner. “She is phenomenal. It was serendipity that she happened to come in.” 