Brenda Portman celebrity recital

Brenda Portman, an award-winning organist and composer, will present a celebrity recital at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The concert celebrates the completion of the church’s new Lively-Fulcher organ and the 100th anniversary of St. Mary’s Church. Portman has won numerous prizes in organ performance and composition in both the United States and Europe, and she also holds the S. Lewis Elmer Award, which recognizes the highest combined score on the AAGO and FAGO diplomas from the American Guild of Organists.

The program features music by Anna Amalia of Prussia, Rachel Laurin, Jennifer Higdon, and Brenda Portman herself. Admission is free, and the event is co-sponsored by St. Mary’s Music Fund and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Visitors should plan for parking and transit, since the nearest Metro station is about two miles away.

When: Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

Venue: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2609 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Program: Music by Anna Amalia of Prussia, Rachel Laurin, Jennifer Higdon, and Brenda Portman.

Artist: Brenda Portman, award-winning organist and composer, and recipient of the S. Lewis Elmer Award for the highest combined score on the AAGO and FAGO diplomas.

Parking and transit: The church parking lot is across N. Glebe Road. Some ADA/handicap street parking and other street parking are available nearby; observe posted signs. The closest Metrorail station is Ballston, about two miles away by car or via the ART 72 bus.

Sponsors: Co-sponsored by St. Mary’s Music Fund and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

More info: stmarysarlington.org/music and brendaportman.com.