Concert Series

2020-2021 PACC Concert Series

Dear fans of the PACC Concert Series, we are in the process of considering what the COVID 19 pandemic means for our live concert series. Considerations include ticket sales, social distancing protocols during concerts and other safety measures. 

Our planning will take into consideration what Governor Baker allows for various types of gatherings in Massachusetts as well as any restrictions suggested by Congregational Church leadership for use of church spaces.

Please check back for future updates. Thank you for supporting the PACC Concert Series.

About the series

In 1989, the Music Committee of the Park Avenue Congregational Church undertook the task of restoring our historic Skinner organ. At that time, a price of $60,000 was quoted for the restoration work. Restoration work proceeded slowly due to budget constraints. In 1991 our then choir director, John Cavicchia, directed a Christmas Concert with our Choir, putting the money raised towards the restoration fund. This was the start of the PACC Concert Series.

In addition to our annual Christmas concert, we have invited a number of soloists and groups, all professionals, to perform in the acoustically vibrant Sanctuary as well as more informally in the Parish Hall. Concerts have ranged from classical, to choral, to folk coffeehouses. While the initial restoration process is nearly complete, good stewardship of our beautiful instrument means we need to establish an on-going fund for future repair and maintenance so that we will never again be faced with such a large task for restoration. As a result, the Music Committee has decided to continue its mission of promoting local musicians in the PACC Concert Series, which will raise funds for additional projects in the Music program at PACC and establishing a permanent fund for the E. M. Skinner Organ Maintenance.

Our Sanctuary seats about 300 and features a handsome brick interior with exceptional acoustics – chamber music and a capella groups particularly enjoy using our Sanctuary as a performance space.  It is large enough for a good sized concert, yet intimate enough that everyone can see the performance easily.

We have some recordings of Concert Series performances for you to hear.

If you are an artist looking for a venue or looking for information about participating in our Concert Series, contact the Concert Series Committee.

Prior seasons

Be sure to explore the names of performers from some of our prior seasons, and try to see them again this year when they perform in the New England area:

Press releases for the concert series have appeared in modified form in the Arlington Advocate and on YourArlington: