'Sanctuary Series' Returns To South Salem Presbyterian Church

SOUTH SALEM, NY — A popular music series that has been a local tradition for a decade is back with an impressive premiere on the books.

The Sanctuary Series announced that the organization will be welcoming 24-year-old American pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, a 2022 Concert Artists Guild winner, who will open the 2022-2023 season with a program, entitled, "Innovators." The program will take place on Nov. 20, at 4 p.m., at South Salem Presbyterian Church, and will feature works by Schubert, Liszt, Chávez and Stravinsky.

The Post-Standard was impressed with Sanchez-Werner's "mesmerizing artistry and extraordinary ability to communicate," while La Press Montreal described the pianist as having a "masterful technique and a veritable deluge of sonorities." The organizers said that his performances have "stirred the intellect and humanity of his audiences on five continents."

Selected as a Gilmore Young Artist, Sanchez-Werner's "multi-faceted artistry" has been featured on NPR, PBS, CNN International, the Wall Street Journal and WDR-Arte. Committed to public service, he received the Atlantic Council Young Global Citizen Award for his dedication to social action through music.

Now in its tenth season, the classical music series founded by the South Salem church's late pastor, Dr. Charles "Chip" Andrus and director of music Mary Jane Newman who is currently artistic director, continues to bring beautiful music to the heart of South Salem and furthers the commitment to promote the church as a center for great art and a welcoming place for the whole community.

The season will continue on December 18, at 4 p.m., with a concert entitled, "A Classical Holiday with Mary Jane and Anthony Newman," featuring a piano duet program of selected preludes and fugues of Bach and a sonata of Mozart arranged for two pianos.

Tickets may purchased in advance here. Tickets are $25 general ($30 at door), $40 preferred ($50 at door) and $25 student.

Mask-wearing will be optional, subject to any revisions in NYS regulations.

South Salem Presbyterian Church is located at 111 Spring Street. The venue is handicapped-accessible and ample parking is available.

For more information, email this address.