About & Visit
On the North Shore of Long Island, historic St. John's Episcopal Church has stood beside the iconic waters of St. John's Pond for nearly two centuries — a place where history, nature, and community exist in harmony. It is the perfect home for Concerts by the Pond.
Within the warm acoustics of our historic sanctuary, audiences experience internationally acclaimed artists in an intimate setting where every seat feels close to the music. Outside, the tranquil beauty of St. John's Pond reminds us that great performances are shaped not only by the artists on stage, but also by the places in which we gather.
Inspired by our beautifully restored church and our intimate, historic setting, Concerts by the Pond presents diverse programming and innovative performances of classical, contemporary, and liturgical music. Through exceptional artistry and dynamic educational experiences, we foster discovery, connection, and community within St. John's Episcopal Church and throughout Cold Spring Harbor and the surrounding region.
Concerts by the Pond was founded to celebrate the restoration of St. John's historic pipe organ. What began as an organ recital series has grown into one of Long Island's premier boutique chamber music series, presenting nationally and internationally acclaimed artists across an extraordinary range of musical styles.
Today, our concerts feature chamber music, vocal ensembles, jazz, folk traditions, early music, contemporary works, and innovative cross-genre performances. Every season is thoughtfully curated around a central artistic theme, inviting audiences to discover unexpected connections between artists, cultures, repertoire, and our shared human experience.
Historic Sanctuary. Built in 1835 and lovingly restored over generations, St. John's Episcopal Church offers a warm, welcoming sanctuary whose architecture and acoustics create an ideal environment for chamber music and vocal performance.
Tiffany Stained Glass. Beautiful Tiffany stained-glass windows fill the sanctuary with color and light, creating an atmosphere that is both inspiring and uniquely Long Island.
St. John's Pond. Just steps from the church sits the iconic St. John's Pond — a landmark that has shaped the landscape and community of Cold Spring Harbor for more than three centuries.
An Intimate Listening Experience. With seating for approximately 200 guests, every concert offers exceptional sightlines and remarkable acoustics. There are no distant balconies or oversized halls — just extraordinary artists performing within a few feet of the audience.
Plan Your Visit
St. John's Episcopal Church
1670 Route 25A
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Free parking is available on the church campus for all performances.
Accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible entrances are available. If you have specific needs, please contact us before your visit and we'll be happy to assist.
Most performances feature open seating unless otherwise noted. Doors generally open 30–45 minutes before each concert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most performances last between 75 and 90 minutes, including any intermission.
There is no dress code. Some patrons enjoy dressing for an evening out, while others prefer business casual or smart casual attire.
Yes. We encourage families to attend performances that are appropriate for younger listeners. Age recommendations will be noted when applicable.
Photography, video recording, and audio recording are generally not permitted during performances unless specifically announced.
Absolutely. Through our Listen Even Closer initiative, audiences can enjoy artist talks, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, and other community events throughout the season.
Concerts by the Pond is just one part of a remarkable campus where music, faith, history, and environmental stewardship come together.
St. John's Episcopal Church. Our concerts are proudly hosted by St. John's Episcopal Church, a welcoming Episcopal parish that has served Cold Spring Harbor since 1835. Learn more at stjcsh.org.
St. John's Pond Watershed Alliance. The pond that gives our series its name is also the focus of an ambitious community restoration effort. Discover the science, history, and vision behind the project at sjpwa.org.