Andrew Senn

Known for his colorful programming and exciting playing, organist and conductor Andrew Senn is director of music at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and organist and pianist for Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA. He has performed with The Philadelphia Singers and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia; made several appearances on the acclaimed Dobson organ in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts; and performed more than 2,000 daily recitals at the world-famous Wanamaker Organ, where he served a 10-year post as an assistant organist.

More about Andrew Senn

A native of Chicago, Senn began his music studies on the piano at the age of six. At 13, he focused his studies on the organ, primarily with William Aylesworth, and served as organ scholar at The Parish Church of St Luke in Evanston, Illinois. During this time, he also undertook coaching with Paul Manz, David Schrader, and Martin Jean.

At 18, Senn was accepted on a merit-based, full-tuition scholarship to study organ with John Weaver at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. While at Curtis, he held posts at the historic St. Peter’s Church in Philadelphia and Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Upon graduating from Curtis, Senn was appointed to a unique dual position of organ and choral scholar at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, England, where he studied the English choral tradition under the cathedral organist Andrew Nethsingha.

In August of 2006, Senn was appointed director of music and organist at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. There he continues the rigorous music program set forth by the legendary Alexander McCurdy and continued by such notables as Keith Chapman and John Tuttle. In addition to the all-professional Chancel Choir, he has formed a volunteer Parish Choir as well as a successful concert series.

Senn’s engagements have taken him to such venues as The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, St. Thomas Church in New York, St. Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Westminster Abbey, St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, and the Cathedrals in London, Truro, Rochester, and Chichester in England. He has given recital tours in Germany every year since 2001 and was a finalist in improvisation at the 2013 Luxembourg International Organ Competition.

Beginning January 23, audience members attending our free indoor performances are required to wear masks to enter the Ballroom and for the duration of the performance. Please note, per Pennsylvania’s lifting of pandemic restrictions, indoor concerts will be at full capacity and social distancing will not be in place.