Newman & Newman Play Bach: On Thursday evening August 6, South Salem Presbyterian Church will present a special concert entitled, “Bach’s Favorite Hymns” performed by Mary Jane and Anthony Newman in the Sanctuary at 7 PM. The concert will be “virtual” webcast on the Church’s Facebook page.

Mary Jane Newman, music director and organist at the South Salem church, is herself an acclaimed pianist and organist who has appeared as soloist and conductor with orchestras, chamber ensembles and vocal groups throughout Europe, the U.S. and Israel. Her husband, Tony is organist and music director at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Bedford. Labeled the “High Priest of Bach” by Wynton Marsalis, Anthony Newman is an internationally renowned organist and considered by many to be America’s leading Bach specialist. Mary Jane is herself an ordained Rabbi and serves as director of music at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford and as a chaplain at Greenwich Hospital (CT).

Since March, congregation families at the South Salem church along with several neighboring families have been ringing the church bells each evening at 7 PM to join a nationwide effort to show appreciation for essential workers and as a form of solace and inspiration for the community. Thursday’s concert will be the third virtual concert to be offered during this period, and for pastor Mark Salmon a further fulfillment of the church’s role in the greater community.

The concert will be performed on the Church’s Russell & Co. pipe organ which the couple helped to design with two pieces performed by Mrs. Newman on the piano. Questions or comments may be directed to office@southsalempc.org.