First United Methodist Church of Peoria invites you to come to Music at First.  This music series is funded by the Foundation of First United Methodist Church which provides the Peoria community the opportunity to come to these concerts free of charge. Music at First includes a variety of opportunities to have your soul nurtured through the musical and performing arts.  Come to the heart of the city and experience the great music at First.

Past concerts have included our annual Lessons & Carols with choir and orchestra, Diane Bish, Angela Brown, Chanticleer, Fernando Ortega, Dr. John Orfe, Mariachi Monumental de Chicago, AGAPE Ringers, and a variety of collegiate ensembles.  The choir has also presented major choral works including:  The Gift of Life (Rutter), Jubilate Deo (Forrest), Sunrise Mass (Gjeilo), The Peacemakers (Jenkins), and Requiem (Rutter).

In early March, FUMC hosted the "All of Us" concert which combined the Bradley Chorale and Illinois Central College Chamber Singers.  

FUMC Director of Traditional Music, Doug Grogan, explained, “We combined both choirs together to promote community and bring unity.   We really are not all that different and ‘all of us’ are in this together.”

And now, in the spirit of bringing hope and giving encouragement during a time when many people are confined to their homes, we present the recorded version of this concert for your listening and viewing pleasure.

Please enjoy this presentation of  "All of Us," with the Bradley Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Cory Ganschow, and the ICC Chamber Singers, under the direction of Mr. Douglas Grogan.

Some of the songs on the program are: O! What A Beautiful City, I Will Be A Child of Peace, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Like A River in My Soul, and I Believe.

In March of 2019 we were blessed to welcome Dove Award winning artist, musician, and composer, Fernando Ortega.  The evening included his classic, "Give Me Jesus," group sing-alongs, and a duet with our own Melinda Huisenga (pictured, to the right).