MONTGOMERY PHILHARMONIC
CONCERT AT GRACE UMC
Saturday, January 25, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET
Grace UMC is delighted to welcome the Montgomery Philharmonic, conducted by internationally renowned musician, Sandra Ragusa, for a special afternoon concert in our sanctuary on Saturday, January 25 at 3:00 p.m. A light-refreshment reception will follow the performance. All are invited to join us for an inspiring musical experience and a joyful time of fellowship.
This concert also celebrates a meaningful Grace connection: our own Organist, Andrew Kosinski, is currently serving as the Conducting Fellow with the Montgomery Philharmonic through June. We are honored to host the orchestra as part of his fellowship journey and look forward to sharing this moment with our congregation and community.
A freewill offering will be collected.
About the Montgomery Philharmonic
The Montgomery Philharmonic is a community orchestra and nonprofit organization composed of adult musicians who rehearse and perform orchestral literature simply for the love of music. While highly skilled, its members represent a wide range of professions outside the musical world- including educators, scientists, engineers, health care professionals, accountants, professors, and public-sector employees.
Its musicians come from across the Washington, D.C. region, with most residing in Montgomery County and others joining from Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Learn more at montgomeryphilharmonic.org
Sandra Ragusa, Music Director
Sandra Ragusa brings infectious energy, artistic insight, and a joyful spirit to every performance she leads. As Music Director of the Montgomery Philharmonic, she deeply connects with the orchestra and inspires musicians to play with passion and precision. An internationally experienced conductor and flutist, Sandra has led ensembles across Europe, Asia, and throughout the U.S., and has collaborated with world-class soloists in both orchestral and chamber settings. A native of Los Angeles, she holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Carnegie Mellon University and studied flute at the University of Southern California. Sandra is also committed to nurturing young musicians and has been actively involved in community-based music education programs. Learn more at montgomeryphilharmonic.org
Andrew Kosinski, Conducting Fellow
Andrew Kosinski is an award-winning composer and the Montgomery Philharmonic’s Conducting Fellow for the 2023–2026 seasons. In addition to his work with the Philharmonic, Andrew is staff arranger with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” where he writes and adapts music for public performances and ceremonial events. His compositions—praised for their vivid expression and craft—have been performed by ensembles such as the Peabody Concert Orchestra and The United States Army Band. A gifted communicator on the podium, Andrew also enjoys championing overlooked works and emerging voices in classical music. He holds degrees in composition from the Peabody Conservatory and Rutgers University and continues to grow as a conductor under the mentorship of Sandra Ragusa. Learn more at montgomeryphilharmonic.org
About Grace United Methodist Church
At Grace, we believe in sharing God’s love through worship, fellowship, service, and outreach. Together, we strive to create a space where everyone can grow in faith, feel valued, and find community. Whether you’re seeking spiritual guidance, a place to serve, or simply a welcoming home, there’s a place for you here.
Accessibility
Grace United Methodist Church seeks to welcome and include all people in this event. Our building, gathering spaces, and restrooms are accessible to people who use wheelchairs and walkers. Physical accommodations include ramps, accessible seating, and an elevator.
Grace UMC’s Statement of Inclusion
Grace UMC embraces Jesus’ message that God loves everyone and we affirm that all persons are of sacred worth. We believe that every human being is created and gifted by God; therefore, every human being is invited to be a part of our church. We welcome into our fellowship, membership, and leadership, all people, regardless of age, economic reality, education, ethnicity, faith history, family structure, gender identity, nationality, mental and physical health, race, sexual orientation, and life experience.
Grace United Methodist Church is a member of the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. You can visit the Baltimore Washington Conference website at bwcumc.org. You may also visit the United Methodist Church website at umc.org.
© 2026 Grace United Methodist Church