The Music Series at South Church was founded in 1973 with the mission to present distinguished performers from local, national, and international stages. It evolved from a series of mid-week organ recitals launched in 1972—called “Enrich Your Lunch”—which featured local organists performing on the newly dedicated Cooper Memorial (Gress-Miles) Organ. These midday concerts, followed by a shared meal, drew enthusiastic audiences and inspired the South Church Music Committee to create a full season of concerts.

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The new format debuted with a recital by internationally renowned organist Marie-Claire Alain, who performed to a standing-room-only crowd. Since then, the Series has presented sacred and secular music, welcoming audiences from across the Greater Hartford area.

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Over the decades, the Series has featured vocalists, instrumental soloists, choral ensembles, and organists in performances ranging from classical to jazz. Most concerts are offered free of charge, with donations accepted to help offset costs. Notable performers have included organists Marie-Madeleine Duruflé, David Higgs, and Katelyn Emerson; pianists Peter Orth and Ignat Solzhenitsyn; and ensembles such as the American Boy Choir, Chanticleer, Lorelei Ensemble, the choirs of St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), and Connecticut’s Chorus Angelicus.

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A highlight of the season is the annual Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols, a cherished service presented in partnership with South Church since 1973. Modeled after the tradition at King’s College, Cambridge, it combines scripture readings, carols, and music for choir and organ—welcoming all who wish to celebrate the Christmas season.

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In 2003, the South Church Chamber Society was created under the artistic leadership of pianist David Westfall, establishing chamber music as a permanent part of the Series. Ensembles such as the American String Quartet, Jupiter String Quartet, and Chiara String Quartet have since been featured. Dr. Westfall concluded his tenure in 2019, but his artistic legacy continues to shape the Series today.

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Recognized as a cultural cornerstone of New Britain, the Music Series was honored in 2006 by the New Britain Downtown District for its “successful and pioneering music and arts program... providing a wildly popular cultural resource to the entire region.”