Organ Gala Concert

First Parish in Bedford will celebrate the restoration of its historic 1885 Hook &amp; Hastings tracker organ with a special Gala Concert and reception on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Hosted by the First Parish Music Committee and Capital Campaign Committee, the afternoon will feature First Parish organist Sandra LaBarge-Neumann, joined by distinguished guest organists Heinrich Christensen and David Carrier, two of the Boston area’s most respected performers. Built in 1885 and acquired by First Parish in 1898, the organ has been part of the musical life of the congregation for more than 125 years. Its intricate mechanical system reflects the craftsmanship of 19th-century organ building: with the exception of the electric motor that supplies air to the wind chests, the instrument operates mechanically through an elaborate system of levers, rods and slides connecting the keyboard to its ranks of pipes. The organ underwent its last comparable overhaul in 1970. This summer, specialists from the Andover Organ Company dismantled much of the instrument and removed its wind chests and other components for reconstruction. The project addressed problems that had begun appearing in the aging instrument, including air leakage and occasional “cyphers” — notes that continue to sound after a key has been released. The $53,100 refurbishment was funded through First Parish’s recent $1.7 million capital campaign and is expected to give the historic instrument many more decades of service. The restoration also uncovered a small piece of First Parish history. Removing the organ pipes exposed part of the sanctuary wall normally hidden from view and revealed an inscription that had not been seen in more than half a century: “Meeting House Erected 1816.” The October 4 concert will give the wider community an opportunity to hear the renewed instrument in the hands of three accomplished organists and to celebrate the preservation of an important part of First Parish’s musical heritage. A reception will follow the concert. The community is warmly invited to attend this festive afternoon of music and celebration.

First Parish Bedford Unitarian Universalist 

First Parish Bedford Music Committee

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Organ Gala Concert

Where?