A Messiah for Mary

×

Expand

Bates O'Neal

A Messiah for Mary Memorial Concert

The Taylor Music Group announces 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 over 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. This free event will take place at 3pm, April 12 at Circular Congregational Church. The concert will take place immediately following an ecumenical memorial service that will occur from 1:30-2:30pm, also at Circular Congregational Church.

Mary Scott Taylor, born on June 13, 1960 passed away peacefully on December 9, 2:22 am 2025 in the ICU of the Medical University of South Carolina after a courageous, near eleven-year “dance” with vaginal adenocarcinoma. Mary was a remarkable, incredible person in countless ways. Professionally, Mary was an excellent classical violinist, an equally accomplished Irish fiddler, and a music educator and private teacher of regional and national renown. In Charleston, Mary was best known as a violinist with the Charleston Symphony, an Irish fiddler of great quality, a string music educator at Ashley Hall School, and the Founding Director of the exceptionally popular fiddling ensemble Na Fidleiri.

For all her professional accomplishments, there is no question that her greatest impact on this world came via her love for her family, friends, colleagues and students. Mary was an incredible mother to Kiri, Rob and Mary’s only child. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Rob. Mary and Rob’s relationship was regarded by many as almost “storybook.” Raised Catholic and deeply spiritual, Mary was an ardent believer in God and God’s loving power in the universe. She hungrily read books on spirituality–particularly upon the death of her brother Kevin in 2013. Mary was highly intelligent, and a profoundly deep, creative thinker. She possessed a warm, sparkling personality which not only fueled her career, but made home life for her family a daily adventure and happy place.

Perhaps above all things, Mary was compassionate and empathetic, offering unconditional love to all that knew her well. She was like a ray of sunshine–providing light and nourishment to all around her, enabling their spirit to soar and grow. To say Mary will be sorely missed is a major understatement. Mary was a titan in every facet of her life. Her spirit, legacy and life will impact people for generations to come.