New music director at St. Mary’s

WILMINGTON - In early March 2020 St. Mary’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church’s beloved musical director Sue Maddern died due to cancer. She had also been a well-known music educator with the Twin Valley School system. Then COVID-19 shut down St. Mary’s sanctuary, with dedicated parishioners stepping up to offer music for worship on Zoom and in outdoor settings. While the sanctuary was closed for worship, organ master Peter Walker went to work to refurbish and upgrade St. Mary’s pipe organ.
When St. Mary’s sanctuary reopened it was time to find someone who could make the revitalized organ ring out and reach new heights, as well as restore a variety of fine music to the lively acoustical setting that the sanctuary provides. After months of searching through numerous sources and through divine intervention St. Mary’s made contact with Michael David Pennington, who has agreed to share his marvelous musical skills with St. Mary’s and the Deerfield Valley.  
Pennington is a pianist, organist, and composer who graduated from Vassar College in 2020 with a BA in mathematics. In the past he performed organ at such venues as Central Synagogue in New York City and the Vassar College Chapel in Poughkeepsie, NY. He also played piano for All Saints’ Church in Peterborough, NH, and organ for Smithfield Church in Amenia, NY. In addition during college, he gave many recitals with his piano trio. He has composed music for two hour-length plays.
St. Mary’s welcomes all who would like to experience wonderful music and worship at 10 am on Sundays at 13 East Main Street. St. Mary’s hopes to offer additional opportunities to hear Pennington perform through its Red Door Concert Series.