Each year since 2001, First Presbyterian Church has hosted a series of high-quality cultural arts performances and presentations that are offered to the community free of charge. This series was originally called Sundays@Four, and it was the brainchild of Dr. Charles T. Gaines, then Minister of Music, and Robert P. Glick, Organist. The name FESTIVA was adopted in 2010 to expand the concept beyond events taking place specifically at 4:00 on Sundays. Childcare for preschool children is provided in the church’s nurseries, and a reception follows each event to afford guests the opportunity to visit with the artists in a relaxed setting. The FESTIVA arts series is funded by donations from individuals and grants from organizations that support the arts, such as the South Carolina Arts Commission, the Greenwood County Community Foundation, and the Greenwood Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SANCTUARY FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 13, 2026
Bluegrass is in the house with Swamptooth! | 4 p.m.
Drawing from a vast depth of internal talent, Swamptooth plants one foot
firmly in the tradiitons of bluegrass, keeping a uniquely Southern string
sound close to their hearts while bravely progressing the genre beyond its
boundaries. Coupling a high-energy, relentless bluegrass sound with
the steadfastness of professional, experienced troubadours, Swamptooth
embodies an indeliable appeal that can ignite the passion of nearly any
audience who happens across their path.
February 21, 2027
The Sounds of Paris | 4 p.m.
Greenwood native and clarinetist, Eric Gardner, currently serves as a missionary in France. This afternoon, he will musically transport you to the country he loves with a program including works by Debussy and Ravel, as well as some "hidden gems" of the French repertoire.
Saturday,
October 24, 2026
Rivertree Singers | 7:30 p.m.
Step into a luminous soundscape shaped by a thousand years of sacred tradition. Sacred Radiance: A Millennium of Choral Music invites listeners to encounter the enduring beauty of cathedral repertoire. Under the direction of Dr. Warren Cook, Rivertree Singers brings clarity, warmth, and expressive depth to this expansive collection. Join us for an evening of reflection, resonance, and radiant sound--where past and present converge in a living tradition of sacred music.
April 18, 2027
Tim and Friends | 4 p.m.
Tim Walters takes the stage in a program of classical, gospel, and jazz fusion. He will be joined by friends who will "knock your socks off" with their gospel artistry. Bring a few "shout outs" for Tim in our now traditional improvisation.
November 15, 2026
A Chorale Thanksgiving
(Ticketed Event) l 4:00 p.m.
Greenwood Festival Chorale presents exquisitely crafted choral arrangements and festive settings of thanks including Bless This House, Now Thank We All Our God, We Gather Together, and John Rutter's incomparable For the Beauty of the Earth.
Paul Fleckenstein, graduate of the famed Westminster Choir College, accompanies the Greenwood Festival Chorale for this program and will also present two organ solos: Richard Purvis' Thanksgiving, and Sigrid Karg-Elert's Nun Danket Alle Gott. Paul hails from Wilimgton, DE, and was college roommates with GFC Artistic Director, Steve Skinner.
WAYS TO SUPPORT FESTIVA
The Music Committee of First Presbyterian Church serves as the Steering Committee for the FESTIVA arts series. Since its inception,
FESTIVA has presented choral concerts, organ concerts, orchestral concerts, dance troupes, dramatic presentations, and comedians.
Would you consider becoming a season sponsor?
FESTIVA is a series of cultural arts events offered to the community free of charge. This series was founded in 2001 and is funded by donations from individuals and grants from organizations that support the arts. We invite you to continue your patronage or to become a new friend of FESTIVA.
Gifts received will be acknowledged in the next program. Thank you for your consideration.