Bluefield Hosts Free Fathers Day Concert Featuring Violinist Kevin Matheson and Pianist Harold Brown

On Sunday, June 21, the First Presbyterian Church at 208 Tazewell Ave opens its doors at 4 p.m. for a free Father’s Day concert that promises to be a highlight of the month. The program, led by violinist Kevin Matheson and pianist Harold Brown, will take listeners through a journey that starts with Donald Waxman’s Serenade and Fantasy, moves through the shimmering impressionism of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, and ends with Ludwig van Beethoven’s final violin‑piano sonata.

The concert is part of the church’s community outreach, welcoming all residents, families, and friends. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a young person along to share in the experience of “beautiful music.” The two‑hour performance will be followed by a reception, offering a relaxed setting for conversation and refreshments.

Kevin Matheson is a violinist whose career has spanned the United States, Europe, and the Far East. He has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in major venues and has been recognized for his expressive artistry and collaborative spirit. Matheson has served as concertmaster of the Orchestra of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, co‑concertmaster of the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra, and holds an adjunct instructor position at Hollins University. His recent engagements include a debut at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall as part of the Ibla Grand Prize competition winners’ tour, where he performed with his brother in a violin‑viola duo.

Pianist Harold Brown brings a global perspective to the stage. His repertoire ranges from J.S. Bach to Olivier Messiaen, and he has earned critical acclaim for his interpretations of Ravel’s complete piano works. Brown’s international experience includes television broadcasts in Australia and South America, a premiere of Donald Waxman’s Serenade and Fantasy with Saul Bitran, and collaboration with Dmitri Hvorostovsky and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra under Constantine Orbelian. He currently serves as a musician at First Presbyterian Church in Bluefield.

The program’s blend of contemporary and classic repertoire offers a rich listening experience. Waxman’s modern American voice provides a fresh opening, while Debussy’s and Ravel’s impressionistic pieces deliver contrasting colors. The concert culminates with Beethoven’s late violin‑piano sonata, a staple of the classical canon that showcases the technical and expressive demands of both instruments.

By offering the concert free of charge, the church aims to broaden access to high‑level chamber music within the community. The reception that follows allows attendees to discuss the performance and learn more about the musicians’ careers.

The event will take place in the church’s main sanctuary, which seats approximately 300 people. Residents are invited to attend without a ticket, though the church encourages early arrival to secure seating. The concert is listed on the church’s website and local community calendars as a free, family‑oriented cultural activity.

In summary, Bluefield’s First Presbyterian Church will host a free Father’s Day concert on June 21 featuring violinist Kevin Matheson and pianist Harold Brown. The program includes works by Waxman, Debussy, Ravel, and Beethoven, and will be followed by a reception. The event is open to all community members and is part of the church’s outreach to promote music appreciation and family engagement.