St. Margaret’s Friends of Music

Each year, St. Margaret’s sponsors a concert series in the church sanctuary that brings world class musicians – choral and instrumental – to the Coachella Valley. The 2026-27 Season marks the inauguration of The Fred Swann Concert Series, in honor and memory of St. Margaret’s renown and beloved Organist in Residence. Sunday, November 22 (4:00 p.m.) – Music for Organ and Brass Featuring the music of Craig Phillips, Eugene Gigout and Richard Strauss David Christopher, Organ | Craig Phillips, Guest Conductor Redlands Brass and Percussion Ensemble Thursday, December 10 (7:00 p.m.) – Christmas with Clare College Choir University of Cambridge, England Graham Ross, Director of Music Saturday, January 9 (4:00 p.m.) – Bach & Handel: A Musical Conversation Bach and Handel never met, but on a rare 1760s French double-manual harpsichord, their violin sonatas finally get to have that conversation. Featuring musicians from LA’s Salastina Maia Jasper White and Kevin Kumar, violin | HyeJin Kim, harpsichord Sunday, January 31 (4:00 p.m.) – Nicole Keller, Concert Organist International Concert and Recording Artists Performing on St. Margaret’s Quimby Pipe Organ, Opus 50 Friday, February 12 (7:00 p.m.) – St. Olaf Choir in Concert The premier a cappella choir in the United States Anton Armstrong, Conductor Friday, March 19 (7:00 p.m.) – Clark Wilson, Concert Organist Acclaimed silent film organist will accompany Cecil B. DeMille’s 1927 epic silent film The King of Kings Sunday, April 4 (4:00 p.m.) – Music and Manet Step into 19th century Paris, which Manet painted – and his composer friends Chabrier, Offenbach, Gounod, Bizet, and Fauré soundtracked. Featuring musicians from LA’s Salastina Ben Smolen, flute | Cristina Montes Mateo, harp | Meredith Crawford, violin