The Sanctuary Series celebrates Bach’s birthday with cellist Alexa Pia Gerlach

ByThe Sanctuary Series

February 24, 2026

Contacts: Mary Jane Newman, 203-550-5992 [email protected]

The Sanctuary Series, dedicated to presenting extraordinary musical performances in the heart of the historic hamlet of South Salem, begins the spring portion of its season on Sunday, March 22, 2026 with an afternoon of exuberant chamber music in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday, featuring the composer’s music performed by cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach with Series co-artistic director, Anthony Newman on piano.  Mr. Newman will also perform solo on organ and piano and join his wife, Series co-artistic director Mary Jane Newman, to explore the intricacies of Bach with two pieces transcribed for piano four hands. The performance will be in the Sanctuary of the South Salem Presbyterian Church at 4 PM.

Labeled the “High Priest” of Bach by Wynton Marsalis, Anthony Newman is considered America’s leading Bach specialist and is a world-renowned keyboardist. His recordings of Bach on the harpsichord have re-defined how the composer is interpreted today. Cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach’s playing has been lauded in the press for its “gripping emotion” and “powerful artistry” — qualities which have defined a career striking for its wide range of collaborations and artistic expressions, with performances across the United States and in 15 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Mary Jane Newman is herself an accomplished keyboardist and the founder of the Series with the late Rev. Chip Andrus as a means of community outreach, a commitment that continues to this day.

The spring season continues on April 19 with the radiant artistry of flutist Elena Rubin and the Flute Sonatas of Bach and Beethoven, paired with Anthony Newman’s Decca on B-A-C-H — a celebration of youth, brilliance, and beauty. On Sunday, May 17, violinist Renée Jolles, will ring in spring with elegance and passion with Sonatas by Mozart and Beethoven and Mr. Newman’s Sonata “Populare.’

South Salem Presbyterian Church is at 111 Spring Street, South Salem, NY. Advanced tickets are $25 for general admission, $40 for preferred seating and $10 for students when purchased in advance on the Series website www.thesanctuaryseries.org ($30/$50/$15 at the door).  All concerts are followed by a brief reception. Call 914-763-5402 or email [email protected] for more information.

 

 

 

 

Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello

Anthony Newman, piano and organ

Mary Jane Newman, piano four hands

 –An evening of exuberant chamber music in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday featuring, 

  • Suite No. 5 in c minor for Solo Cello, BWV 1011
  • Fantasy (organ) and Fugue in g minor for Piano 4 Hands, BWV 542
  • Prelude and Fugue in G major for Piano 4 Hands, BWV 541
  • Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in d minor for solo keyboard, BWV 903
  • Viola da Gamba Sonata No. 1 in G major, BWV 1027
About The Sanctuary Series

Friends of Music at Holy Trinity, Inc. DBA The Sanctuary Series is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering the development in the community of an appreciation of the musical arts by procuring and producing, and by causing to be produced concerts, musical productions and entertainments, having taken part in activities having that end in view, and by supporting the presence of musical artists in residence. In furtherance of its mission The Sanctuary Series presents extraordinary keyboard performances to the heart of the Historic Hamlet of South Salem, hosted in the Sanctuary of the South Salem Presbyterian Church.