When you step into our sanctuary, you'll notice painted tapestries, stained glass windows, the glint of organ pipes, and the history behind the wooden floors and pews.  But when a note is played, a chord is struck, or a voice is lifted, you'll feel the beauty and warmth of this sacred space.  Music is an essential part of worship here at First Universalist.  It helps us to go "beyond words."  Musical selections cover a broad range of styles and genres, from classical to contemporary to folk, and are carefully selected by our Music Director to reflect that Sunday's theme. Our choir rehearses every Sunday morning from September to June, and their voices regularly fill the sanctuary during service. Our congregation is blessed with many talented musicians, and we are especially grateful to have Keith Stott, a living composer in our congregation. 

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Eastman At Washington Square - Fall 2025 Season

We enjoy hosting free concerts presented by the Eastman School of Music every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. throughout the school year, running for roughly 30-45 minutes. The complete schedule can be found at the Eastman Community Music School website.  Admission is free.  

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Congratulations are in order! Our weekly Thursday concert series, Eastman at Washington Square, is celebrating 30 years!​

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Fall 2025 Performances:​

The Eastman Community Music School is proud to present free weekly concerts featuring artists from the Eastman School of Music and ECMS. Faculty and Student Performances from both schools offer an excellent opportunity to hear some of the best musicians that Rochester has to offer and all performances are absolutely free!

 

October 16

Chronicles Narrated on 6 Strings

Gerardo Miranda, classical guitar, will present a repertoire that spans a variety of elements of guitar and its history over the centuries.​​

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October 23

Fall in Love

Join us for a delightful afternoon of vocal romance presented by Cecile Saine and Friends, featuring Howard Spindler at the piano.

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October 30

Eastman Harmonie

Enjoy the harmonious sounds of the Eastman Harmonie, wind chamber ensemble comprised of selected Eastman students, as they perform music by Mozart and Berger.

 

November 6

Piano Extravaganza I

Immerse yourself in the world of piano music with a captivating performance featuring students from the studio of Professor Alan Chow.

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November 13

Early Music

Travel back in time to the enchanting world of early music. This concert is presented in conjunction with Rochester Early music festival.

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November 20

The Stories of Animals I

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of music and storytelling. Pianists Tony Cho, Soojin Kang, Irina Lupines, and Priscilla Yuen will perform Saint-Saens’ Carnival of Animals, narrated by Professor Kathryn Cowdrick.

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December 4

The Stories of Animals II

Embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Peter and the Wolf, presented by pianists Tony Chow and Soojin Kang, narrated by Professor Katherine Ciesinski.

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December 11

The Stories of Animals III

Join us for a heartwarming performance of the story of Babar, the little elephant, featuring Priscilla Yuen and Irina Lupines, narrated by Professor Sylvie Beaudette.

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December 18

Holiday Jazz

Get ready to be entertained by the soulful tunes of Bob Sneider and friends as they bring us the spirit of the holidays..

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Our Hope-Jones, Opus 2 Pipe Organ Circa 1908

Robert Hope-Jones is not exactly a household name, yet his innovations in organ building have profoundly influenced the history of the instrument in the 20th century. First Universalist is very fortunate to be connected with the Hope-Jones legacy in a very significant way, for it possesses one of the few surviving Hope-Jones organs in its original form.