Sarah Simko Joined First Presbyterian Church
The organist has taken a new role at the Lexington church.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in People
Sarah Simko has accepted the position of organist at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. She will play the church's sanctuary organ, which was originally built by W. W. Kimball Co. and later rebuilt by Buzard Pipe Organ Builders.
Why it matters
The appointment brings a highly decorated musician to lead the musical programming at the historic Lexington congregation. Simko joins the church staff under the direction of Paul Robinson, the director of music and arts ministries.
Sarah Simko holds a doctoral degree in organ performance from the University of Michigan and previously received a Presser Foundation Graduate Award. She was also named to The Diapason 20 Under 30 class in 2017.
The players
Sarah Simko
She is a professional organist who holds a doctoral degree in organ performance and serves as the liturgical coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio.
First Presbyterian Church
This Lexington-based institution maintains a historic sanctuary organ that underwent a full reconstruction by professional builders.
Paul Robinson
He serves as the director of music and arts ministries at First Presbyterian Church.
The details
Simko joins the church staff while continuing her professional work as the liturgical coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. The instrument she will play was featured on a magazine cover in February 2008.
Timeline
February 2008: The sanctuary organ appeared as a magazine cover feature.
2017: Sarah Simko joined The Diapason 20 Under 30 class.
October 2026: Sarah Simko accepted the organist position.
Market Landscape
This appointment reflects the ongoing movement of highly credentialed liturgical musicians within regional religious institutions. Her hiring highlights the competitive pursuit of top-tier talent for historic church music programs across the country.
Congregants and attendees at the church can expect to hear the newly appointed organist performing on the sanctuary organ during upcoming services. The integration of her professional background into the church's arts programming may influence the musical offerings available to the community.
The takeaway
The addition of a doctoral-level performer reinforces the commitment of local institutions to maintaining high-quality liturgical music. Readers interested in church arts can monitor the church's event schedule for opportunities to hear the organist perform.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts in the Lexington People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thediapason.
