Andrew Schmidt, area organist, is pictured. Schmidt will perform a recital Feb. 3 at Christ First United Methodist Church. Submitted photo

Christ First United Methodist Church will host a recital featuring organist Andy Schmidt on Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Schmidt has been the organist at Christ First United Methodist Church since 2019. An organist for over three decades, he previously served as organist at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Jamestown, Grace Episcopal Church in Randolph, Grace Lutheran Church in Dunkirk, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he majored in piano performance, Schmidt also operates a private piano studio in Jamestown. His students have received many awards and scholarships over the years.

For the past two and a half years, Schmidt has been studying privately with esteemed organist Ron McEntire of Jamestown. His program on February 3 will feature the complete Symphony V by the French composer Charles-Marie Widor. A major work which makes full use of the tonal resources of the pipe organ, Symphony V concludes with the famous “Toccata”, a brilliant tour de force which has become one of the most iconic pieces ever written for the instrument.

The recital will last about an hour and a reception will follow.