John & Helen Kemp are icons in the world of church music. They came to First Presbyterian Church in 1949 and built a graded “cradle-to-grave” choir program which flourished well past their 1968 departure. John then became Executive Director of the Choristers’ Guild in Dallas followed by a second tour of teaching for both John and Helen at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.

They returned to FPC for a period of three years (1983 - 1986) when John served again as Minister of Music. Well known for her soaring soprano voice, Helen sang many roles, particularly from the oratorio repertoire. Helen has a special expertise working with children’s voice, and today, at age 92, she continues to work with children at music workshops and festivals. This work has taken her all over the world. She writes beautiful anthems for children’s choirs, often being commissioned to do so. Helen now lives in Pennsylvania where she is near several of their five children, all of whom are musicians – some professional. John died in 1997.

We honor both of these gifted musicians and friends – an indelible part of the history of this church – with this concert series. For information about the Kemp Concert Series, call the church office at (405) 525-6584.

February 26, 2012 4:00 p.m.

Chamber Music with John Edwards 

This concert will include John Edwards on flute and a string quartet.

April 15, 2012  4:00 p.m.

 HymnFest with Mark Lawlor, Organist

Dr. Lawlor has recently retired from Oklahoma State University.

All of these concerts will be held at

(405) 525-6584   www.fpcokc.org