BI concert series celebrates 20 years with first outdoor performance
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025
For two decades, First Sundays Concerts has presented music in an intimate community setting on Bainbridge Island. On June 22, the series reached a new milestone with its first-ever outdoor performance, offered free to the public at Waterfront Park.
The concert featured acclaimed pianist and composer Marina Albero, joined by guest vocalist Adriana Giordano and an ensemble performing original jazz compositions.
Starting in 2005, First Sundays Concerts presents eight classical and jazz concerts per year at the Waterfront Park Community Center. The series is produced by the Bainbridge Community Piano Association, which also maintains a Yamaha grand piano at the community center available for piano recitals, community events and more.
“Sunday’s concert marked a special milestone for First Sundays Concerts,” said Amelia Stewart, who now leads BCPA. “It was a joy to welcome long-time attendees and introduce the series to new faces in the community. We hope to make this outdoor concert an annual tradition.”
First Sundays Concerts was founded by Stewart’s mother, Darden Burns, a long-time island resident and piano teacher. She organized and directed the home concert series “Musical Evenings on Bainbridge Island” before launching First Sundays Concerts and was the driving force in fundraising for the grand piano that still anchors most performances today. “She believed music should be shared,” Stewart said. “This series reflects her passion for making music accessible and building community through the arts on Bainbridge.”
In addition to First Sundays Concerts, BCPA partners with KiDiMu to produce Sing Along & Sounds, a music program designed for children aged 0–6 years old. The interactive performances provide young audiences with the opportunity to connect with musicians and explore instruments up close.
BCPA’s mission centers on providing a high-quality concert piano for community use and promoting musical programming for all ages. The organization remains volunteer-led.
For more information about upcoming concerts, visit www.firstsundaysconcerts.org.
Allison Davy is with the Bainbridge Community Piano Association.
