The Taylor Music Group announced the presentation of “A Messiah for Mary,” a special performance of Handel’s Messiah honoring the life and career of the recently deceased Mary Taylor, a major figure in the Charleston arts scene for more than 25 years.
“A Messiah for Mary” will be performed by the Taylor Festival Choir, members of the Charleston Symphony, and conducted by Mary Taylor’s husband, Robert Taylor. The free event will take place at 3 p.m. April 12 at Circular Congregational Church. The concert will follow an ecumenical memorial service from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., also at the church.
Mary Scott Taylor, born June 13, 1960, passed away peacefully at 2:22 a.m. Dec. 9, 2025, in the ICU at the Medical University of South Carolina after a courageous, nearly 11-year battle with vaginal adenocarcinoma. Mary was a remarkable person in countless ways. Professionally, she was an accomplished classical violinist, an equally skilled Irish fiddler, and a music educator and private teacher of regional and national renown. In Charleston, she was best known as a violinist with the Charleston Symphony, an Irish fiddler, a string music educator at Ashley Hall School, and the founding director of the popular fiddling ensemble Na Fidleiri.
For all her professional accomplishments, her greatest impact came through her love for her family, friends, colleagues and students. Mary was a devoted mother to Kiri, her only child with her husband, Rob. She was also a loving and devoted wife. Their relationship was regarded by many as almost “storybook.” Raised Catholic and deeply spiritual, Mary was an ardent believer in God and God’s love. She read extensively on spirituality, particularly after the death of her brother Kevin in 2013.
Mary was highly intelligent and a deeply creative thinker. She possessed a warm, vibrant personality that fueled her career and made home life a joyful experience for her family.
Above all, Mary was compassionate and empathetic, offering unconditional love to those who knew her well. She was like a ray of sunshine, bringing light to those around her. To say she will be missed is an understatement. Her spirit, legacy and life will continue to impact others for generations to come.