Pasadena Presbyterian Church will host classical pianist Victor Shlyakhtenko in a free public performance on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 12 p.m. as part of its longstanding “Music at Noon” concert series. The event aims to democratize access to high-quality classical music by removing financial barriers and providing cultural enrichment during the workday.
“The ‘Music at Noon’ series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church offers free, 30-minute concerts every Wednesday at 12:10 p.m.,” states the church’s program description. “Established as a community outreach initiative, the series features a diverse array of performers, including local and visiting artists.”
Shlyakhtenko, born in 2002 in Los Angeles, began his piano studies at age 5 at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts. His accomplishments include first prizes in the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition and the Music Center’s Spotlight Competition. His repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary works, showcasing his versatility and depth as a classical pianist. He has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The 30-minute concert will take place in the church’s sanctuary, known for its exceptional acoustics and home to the Harry and Helen Ehrich Organ, one of Southern California’s largest and most renowned instruments. The venue is fully ADA accessible and located near multiple public transit options, including Metro A Line stations and bus stops operated by Foothill Transit, Pasadena Transit, and Los Angeles Metro.
Pasadena Presbyterian Church’s “Music at Noon” series exemplifies a larger civic trend toward arts equity, allowing diverse audiences—including students, retirees, workers on lunch breaks, and cultural tourists—to experience high-caliber performances without financial burden.
The church, founded in 1875 as Pasadena’s oldest congregation, operates the series through its Friends of Music program, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting the church’s musical endeavors. As a religious and charitable organization, the church’s concert programming receives support through public arts funding, donor contributions, and collaborative sponsorships with local arts organizations.
Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 793-2191. www.ppc.net.
