By Linnet Tse

St. John’s new organist and music director, Dr. Matthew Lewis, is on a mission. So is the Rev. Lisa Mason, rector of St. John’s, who is always looking for ways to include the community in St. John’s activities. 

“There’s nothing like being part of a live music performance in an intimate setting,” says Dr. Lewis. He wants community members to have an opportunity to have this transformative experience. “It’s all about the music,” adds Dr. Lewis enthusiastically. To this end, St. John’s is launching the “Music in the Manor” concert series, in honor of Dr. Lewis’s predecessor, Dr. Paul-Martin Maki, who served as the church’s organist and choir director for 42 years.

The series is designed to bring the joy of music to the broader community by hosting music events at St. John’s that can reach people who aren’t “church people.”  First up is a concert on Sunday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m. featuring Trio Raconteur, a highly accomplished piano trio. Musicians include Amy Schroeder (a Grammy Award-winning artist), violin; Felix Umansky, cello; and Yalin Chi, piano. 

The trio will perform Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66 and Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor (1914). There will be a $20 suggested donation at the door on the day of the concert (no advance tickets). A reception will follow for performers and attendees.

Artists for future performances will range from accomplished professionals to rising stars (young performers) and include both local musicians and those from afar. A committee – the Manor Music Society – has been formed to help support and promote these special musical events. Stay tuned for further details!

About Dr. Lewis: Matthew Lewis maintains an active career as an organist, choral conductor, and educator. He came to St. John’s as director of music in January of 2024. As artistic director and conductor of St. George’s Choral Society in NYC since 2005, Dr. Lewis directs the chorus in major works of the repertoire and has appeared with members of SGCS in the Paul Taylor American Modern Dance Company and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s for five seasons at Lincoln Center. From 2017 to 2023, he was organist and director of music at the Church of St. James the Less in Scarsdale.

Visit https://trioraconteur.com/home for more information about Trio Raconteur. Visit https://stjohnslarchmont.org/ for more information about the Music in the Manor Concert Series.