Music & More: Maureen Walsh, saxophonist, plays "Music of America"

Fairbanks First United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that the December offering of its popular Music & More series will feature one of the world’s outstanding alto saxophonists. Maureen Walsh, from Silver Spring, Maryland, will present a program of classical music that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the American republic. Her “Music of America” will include a saxophone concerto by John Williams, Gershwin selections from Porgy and Bess, Aaron Copland's Flute Sonata, the Tallahatchie Concerto by Jacob TerVelduis, and Come Down Heavy by Evan Chambers featuring Appalachian Songs. Her program begins at 7 PM on Saturday, December 13, in the church sanctuary, located at 915 Second Avenue in Fairbanks.
Ms. Walsh is a prolific solo recitalist who presents up to twenty recitals each year. A recording artist, she has created five albums of her saxophone music, including “Merry Christmas from Maureen Walsh!” She maintains a large private studio with both in-person students in Silver Spring and Falls Church, Maryland, and online students from across the country. Her students range in age from very young to very old. She studied at the Peabody Conservatory for 8 years, earning the Bachelor's, Master's and Graduate Performance Diploma.
This will be Maureen’s second appearance at Music & More. In February 2023, during our first year, she presented Spanish melodies for saxophone. Many attendees consider that program among our series’ highlights.
Maureen will be accompanied by Russian piano virtuoso Nikola Paskalov. Mr. Paskalov began his professional career in Moscow at age 16. He studied piano performance in Moscow, Russia; Skopje, Macedonia; and Krakow, Poland, and currently maintains an active international performance schedule
Music & More will begin its 2026 offerings on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7 PM, when Jonathan Hutchinson will be the featured performer. Jonny J Solo, as he is known, is a Fairbanks-adopted folksinger. His style has been described as “edgy folk with a bone to pick", blending the driving rhythms of Irish folk, the storytelling essence of Americana, the grit of blues, and the twang of bluegrass. At the heart of his music are lyrics that cut deep - whether exploring personal battles or offering social commentary, his words are piercing and evocative. Jonny J Solo has rapidly gained attention across Alaska, playing at Salmonfest in 2024, Chickenstock in 2025, and several other Folk Festivals across Alaska and Canada.
For February, we have arranged a special performance by Scott Hansen. So as not to conflict with Super Bowl Sunday, he will be on our stage at 3 PM Saturday afternoon, February 7. Scott Stephen Hansen is a local musician and 2019 UAF graduate. His compositions have been premiered by the North Star Ballet, saxophonist Nick May, the International Trombone Festival and other ensembles both local and abroad.
The church hosts these monthly (or more often) Music & More events as a community service. For more than three years, the series has offered programs for the whole family in an atmosphere that is convenient, safe and comfortable. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged, with most of the contributions provided to the entertainers.
For more information, call the church office at 907-312-0185.