A Gala Concert for St. Cecilia will bring a community of musicians together at Christ Church Greenwich on Saturday, November 22, at 5 p.m., offering a free program that highlights both local talent and one of the church’s most celebrated artistic traditions. According to Christ Church Greenwich, the event marks St. Cecilia’s feast day, long recognized across Christian communities as a moment to honor the patron saint of music.
The program features a collaboration rarely heard in concert halls: Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G performed by Lithuanian-born pianist Evelina Puzaite with Jonathan Vaughn on the church’s Harrison & Harrison organ. The instrument, known for its tonal depth and scale, is usually heard in choral and liturgical settings. Its pairing with a concerto written for orchestra adds an unusual dimension to Ravel’s rhythmic and textural writing.
Puzaite, an internationally recognized soloist and chamber musician, has appeared at the Barbican, Wigmore Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Her career includes competition wins and a portfolio of collaborations across music and literature. Christ Church describes her as an artist noted for range and expressive clarity, qualities that will support the contrast and agility of the Ravel score.
Vaughn, Associate Director of Music at Christ Church, brings deep experience with the organ’s capabilities. His role anchors the performance in the church’s musical identity, shaped in part by the long history of sacred repertoire tied to St. Cecilia’s legacy. The stained-glass window of the saint in the nave will be referenced during the event as a visual reminder of the church’s emphasis on music as part of its daily ministry.
The concert is presented by parents and friends of Christ Church Music, highlighting the internal strength of the church’s music program. The church notes that the performance is also part of preparations for the 2026 Choir Trip to York Minster. A Free Will Offering collected during the evening will support the purchase of new choir robes for that trip.
The program continues a pattern of public concerts at Christ Church that blend professional artistry with community participation. Organizers emphasize the accessibility of the event, underscoring that admission is free and open to all. The parish expects strong attendance from both regular concertgoers and residents who follow the church’s choral work throughout the year.
Christ Church Greenwich is located at 254 East Putnam Avenue. Additional details about the program, the artists, and upcoming music events can be found at christchurchgreenwich.org
