Sharing the heart of Jesus
in the heart of
Downtown Pittsburgh
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Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh
We're excited to showcase the musical talents of the Pittsburgh community by introducing a new concert series - FIRST WITH FRIENDS. These events represent a resurgence and dedication to connecting with our downtown community in a meaningful way. We're proud to present these exceptional artists in a concert setting that is unique and engaging – Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh - the church in the heart of the city with the city in its heart.
We believe music has the power to inspire and bring people together, and we hope that these concerts do just that. Throughout the First with Friends concert series, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of performances and hear musicians at the top of their craft.
Come Celebrate God’s Gift of Music!
Alaine Fink, Minister of Music
Presents
First With Friends
The month of May marked the conclusion of our final installment of the First with Friends concert series. We were blessed to welcome the musical talents of these exceptional artists accompanied beautifully by our very own Minister of Music, Alaine Fink.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make these concerts such a gift to our community.
Stayed tuned for information about future events as they are scheduled!
March 24, 2026
Christopher Wilson
Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra
Christopher Wilson has served as the Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra since the 2017 season. He also performs with the Pittsburgh Ballet and the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh. Additionally, Wilson is the Brass Area Coordinator and teaches trumpet at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
Prior to his Pittsburgh appointments, Wilson was a member of the United States Air Force Band in Washington DC where he was a featured soloist and performed for numerous dignitaries and audiences around the world, including Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Wilson is a Bach Performing Artist.
April 14, 2026
Gretchen Van Hoesen
Principal Harpist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Gretchen Van Hoesen has been Principal Harpist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 1977 and holds the Virginia Campbell Endowed Principal Harp Chair. She has premiered major works by Ginastera, Moreno‑Buendia, and André Previn, and has performed with leading conductors and artists including André Previn, Lorin Maazel, Pinchas Zukerman, James Galway, and Jean‑Pierre Rampal.
She has appeared with orchestras nationwide, performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center, and was a winner of the 1978 Passamaneck Competition. A graduate of Juilliard and the Eastman School, her recordings span solo, chamber, and concerto repertoire.
Van Hoesen teaches at Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne universities and maintains a private studio in Pittsburgh. She has given master classes at major conservatories and festivals, and her students have earned numerous national awards.
May 12, 2026
Dale Jeong
Associate Principal Cellist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Dale Jeong -- Born in Korea and raised in Toronto, Mr. Jeong became associate principal cellist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 21. He holds a Bachelor of Music from The Juilliard School and previously studied on full scholarship at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy.
He has held principal roles with the Juilliard Orchestra, Pacific Music Festival Orchestra, Taylor Academy Chamber Orchestra, and Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and served as assistant principal with the Moritzburg Festival Orchestra. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Incheon Philharmonic, Oakville Chamber Orchestra, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, CBC Music named him among Canada’s “Top 30 Classical Musicians Under 30.”
Jeong has participated in leading summer programs and collaborated with artists such as Gautier Capuçon, Sheku Kanneh Mason, Martin Beaver, and Jennifer Stumm. He has performed in major venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Sapporo Concert Hall “Kitara,” and Suntory Hall.
He performs on a 17th century French cello by Jean Christophle d’Avignon.