November Special Events

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists In This Issue... CHAPTER NEWS 1 DEAN S LETTER 2 CRESCENDO STAFF INFORMATION 2 REGISTRAR S CORNER 3 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER AGO: 3 Offices and Committees Directory CHAPTER EVENTS 2014/ CHAPTER PATRONS 4 A FAREWELL CONCERT 5 CHAPLAIN S CORNER 7 TUESDAY NOON RECITALS 8 IN PARADISUM 9 POSITIONS AVAILABLE 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 11 SUBSTITUTE ORGANIST LIST 13 WHERE AM I? 17 TALE PIPES 17 November Special Events POST-CONCERT PARTY Join your colleagues and bring a friend! Friday, November 7th 4:30-6:30 pm Valanni Restaurant 1229 Spruce Street, Philadelphia Immediately following the Kimmel Center Concert featuring Grammy-winning organist Paul Jacobs playing Guilmant s Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Chapter has reserved a private room at Valanni Restaurant, 1229 Spruce St., for a Post Concert Reception from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Registration includes a selection of five tapas served throughout the reception time. Cost for members is $10; non-member guests, $30. There will also be a cash bar. Please register online for this party at Internationally Renowned French Artist Thierry Escaich at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Organ Recital on Sunday, November 23 at 4pm Improvisation Workshop on Monday, November 24 from 9:30am until noon The Monday workshop will include an interview with Mr. Escaich about the Musical Life of Paris today and especially the Musical Life at Saint- Étienne-du-Mont in Paris since having succeeded Maurice Duruflé. As an expert on Improvisation, the remainder of the morning will be spent on the techniques of improvisation with three chapter members in a master class format. Our three chapter improvisors are Lucas Brown, Zach Hemenway and Parker Kitterman. The Workshop is available to Chapter Members at the subsidized price of $10.00 or $25.00 for Chapter Guests. Register online at: The deadline for the next issue is November 1, 2014

2 CRESCENDO, the official bulletin of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, is published monthly, September through June. All material for publication must reach the Editor by the 1st day of the month preceding the date of issue,.eg. November 1 for the December issue. This must be type written and ed (text supplied in an attachment), or mailed. Mailed submissions become the property of the Philadelphia Chapter of the AGO and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Crescendo reserves the right to make editorial changes and to shorten articles to fit space limitations. Articles in Crescendo reflect the views of the writers and not necessarily those of the Guild. All advertising must be arranged through the Advertising Manager. As noted in 2008, Crescendo season and professional card advertising automatically renew for each successive volume, unless we receive notification of cancellation of the advertising. Advertising Rates Camera-ready: One-Time Season 1/8 page: $50 $400 1/4 page: $75 $600 1/2 page: $100 $800 full page: $150 $1200 Professional card: - $60 (full season, members only) Camera-ready art only accepted according to stated deadlines. Editorial Board CRESCENDO Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Editor Crescendo@agophila.org Karen Fallows & Tom Lever, Publishers Crescendo@agophila.org 2 Introducing econcerts O n Friday, October 10 you received an which highlighted upcoming Chapter Events as well as events being produced by Chapter Members. Over the years, we would receive requests to distribute concert announcements electronically. Multiple issues arose initially as we discerned how best to serve our membership without substantially adding to the time demands on our volunteer staff. At our Executive Committee meeting in October, we approved a pilot program that we are calling econcerts. The referenced above was an initial trial run of econcerts. Similar to purchasing advertising space in Crescendo, we will be producing a once a month distribution that includes advertisements of Chapter Members concert events. Members can choose to purchase space in Crescendo, econcerts or both. The advantage of econcerts is that it includes all persons in our database which includes non-members who attend Chapter Events (i.e. Norman Mackenzie & Philip Stopford) as well as those who signed up on our electronic list at Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day. The submission process is the same as purchasing space in the Crescendo. Submit a graphic file (i.e. a JPG or PNG) sized accordingly to Advertise@agophila.org. The deadline is first day of the preceding month that you wish to advertise (i.e. November 1 for December Crescendo / econcerts). Our hope is that this service will cast a wider net into the Philadelphia community per the activities of the Chapter and its members thus continuing our mission to: Enrich lives through organ and choral music. Pax, Tim Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator Katherine.Reier@agophila.org Calendar of Events Kathleen Scheide, Coordinator Calendar@agophila.org Positions Available Robert Carson, Coordinator Placement@agophila.org Advertising Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Coordinator Advertise@agophila.org Visit our website at You will note that our ad rates are increasing, and this is for the first time in over a dozen years. Our dean took a close look and tried to do fair numbers with discounts for volume and reasonable increase. The new rates will take effect with the December issue. We will continue to evaluate all advertising policies in the effort to serve everyone better. - MEC

3 3 REGISTRAR S CORNER E R I K M E Y E R, R E G I S T R A R Chapter Directory Member Directories will be printed soon. If you haven t done so yet, please review your membership information (address, phone number, etc.) by logging into the members only area section of the chapter website, Members without computer access, you are welcome to call me to check your information, or inform me of any changes: x104. Please note that the deadline for this is November 1 so please act immediately if there are any changes to your information. Special Advertising Opportunity in the Chapter Directory If you would like to get the attention of chapter members and help defray the cost of the directory, place an ad! The same rates apply as for Crescendo single ads, with the largest size for the directory being ½ page (which in effect is a full page given the directory layout.) 1/8 page $40 1/4 page $70 1/2 page $85 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION E r i k M e y e r, R e g i s t r a r Want to join the Philadelphia chapter of the American Guild of Organists? Need to report AGO Directory changes on your current membership? Need to purchase a set of chapter mailing labels for your next music event? Contact Erik Meyer at: 1418 Fitzwatertown Rd., Willow Grove, PA registrar@agophila.org x104 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS ELECTED OFFICES Dean Tim Evers Dean@agophila.org Sub-Dean John Romeri SubDean@agophila.org Treasurer Bruce Marshall Treasurer@agophila.org Secretary Maria dej. Ellis Maria.Ellis@agophila.org Registrar Erik Meyer x104 registrar@agophila.org Communications Coordinator Marcia Sommers Communications@agophila.org Executive Committee TERM ENDING 2015 Mary Elizabeth Campbell Theodore Didden Zach Hemenway x35 Judith Fichthorn Bell Stebner TERM ENDING 2016 Grete Ingalls Erik Meyer Elaine Sonnenberg Gordon Turk TERM ENDING 2017 Suzanne Erb Andrew Senn x28 Rosemary Hood Wesley Parrott APPOINTED LEADERSHIP Registrar Erik Meyer x104 EMeyer@stmartinec.org Chapter Chaplain Rev. Bruce Thorsen Chaplain@agophila.org Competition Committee Chair Alan Morrison Alan.Morrison@agophila.org Endowment Committee Chair Ethel Geist Ethel.Geist@agophila.org Examinations Coordinator Lee de Mets Lee.DeMets@agophila.org Historian / Archivist To be appointed Nomination Committee Chair To be appointed Placement Coordinator Robert Carson Placement@agophila.org Professional Concerns Chair Judy Lang Judy.Lang@agophila.org Tuesday Noon Recitals Coordinator Andrew Heller TuesdayNoon@agophila.org Volunteer Coordinator Loretta Hartnett Loretta.Hartnett@agophila.org Webmaster Tom Lever webmaster@agophila.org

4 Saturday, September 27, 2014, 9:30am Annual Kick-Off Event with Dr. James Litton English Choral Music. Repertoire and Techniques St. Monica, Berwyn Friday, October 24, 2014, 7:00pm A Tribute to Calvin Hampton St. Mark s Episcopal, Center City; St. Mark s Choir, Matt Glandorf, with Harry Huff (Calvin s Assistant) 4 Philadelphia Chapter of the AGO Chapter Events Friday, November 7, 2014, 2:00pm Organ Concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Organist Paul Jacobs Kimmel Center & Valanni Restaurant, 1229 Spruce Street 2 PM Concert; 4:30 PM Happy Hour with Paul Jacobs We thank our Patrons (list updated monthly) Benefactors Jeffrey B. Fowler Ethel Geist, CAGO Alan Morrison Sponsors Peter Richard Conte, AAGO Theodore W. Didden, CAGO Joseph J. Lewis John A. Romeri, AAGO, ChM, & Karen Romeri David W. Stettler Monday, November 24, 2014, 9:30am Workshop with Thierry Escaich on the Durufle Legacy Improvisation Organist from St. Etienne de Mont, Paris Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Sunday, December 28, 2014, 4:00pm - 8:00pm AGO Christmas Party Fred Haas Residence Saturday, January 17, 2015, 8:45-3:15pm January Jumpstart Michael McCarthy, National Cathedral Director, Cathedral Organist Benjamin Straley, PLUS Singers from the National Cathedral Choir Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Sunday,February 15, 2015, 4:00pm Hymn Festival with Robert Hobby St. Paul s Lutheran, Ardmore; host Andrew Heller Monday, March 16, 2015, 7:30pm Alexander Technique and Body Mapping with Heather Buchanan, for console player and conductor St Paul Lutheran, Glenside; host: Rae Ann Anderson Sunday, April 19, 2015, afternoon AGO Legends IX Bryn Athyn Cathedral; hosts Graham Bier, Terry S. Schnarr Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 7:30pm Choral Techniques with Dennis Keene from the Voices of Ascension. Wayne Presbyterian Church; hosts Tim Evers, Jeff Fowler Donors Robert H. Erb Jane Errera, ChM Barbara R. Hartenbauer Martha N. Johnson Conrad M. Olie Stephen F. Schreiber Contributors Carol P. Anders Rae Ann Anderson Cecelia A. Beatty Robert K. Betty John Byrne Mary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO David Christopher, CAGO Marjorie Lynch Cummings, CAGO Maria de J. Ellis William P. Fenimore Mary L. Fenwick, AAGO Dorothy Fulton-Stevens, AAGO Loretta S. Hartnett, SPC Andrew K. Heller Nancy J Kahler-Jow Charles F. Kelemen Rembrandt 3000 Paul S. Kinsey Judith A. Lang Jeffrey P. Lees Maria Lennon Thomas S. Lever, Jr. Phyllis B. Linn Jean Madden Erik G. Meyer Kathleen J. Moyer Leighton W. Moyer Wesley D. Parrott Richard J. Pilch Stephen W. Ross Clair Rozier Yoshiko M. Seavey Edward Wilk Monday, June 1, 2015, 6:30pm Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers Pyramid Club; host: Doug Backman Saturday, June 13, AM - 5 PM Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day Kimmel Center

5 5 The Organ at First Baptist Church, Philadelphia A Farewell Concert When Alan Morrison told me that the organ at First Baptist Church was going to be removed from that historic building on 17th and Sansom Streets, I was shocked. He said that a concert would take place on the 27th of September as a farewell event. I gathered my college roommate, Ken Schneider, who, like me studied on that instrument with the late Earl Ness while he was a student at Temple University, and my parents, who (also like me), had sung with the Oratorio Choir of Philadelphia, a group that for decades presented major choral works, accompanied by the Moller organ. And what an organ it was: Earl Ness told me that after a fire had destroyed the original organ, a 3-manual Haskell, organist Walter Baker had set out to build the finest replacement, using the latest ideas in organ design (Alan Morrison believes that Alexander McCurdy designed the instrument you can decide). The result was a 3 manual, 55 rank Moller [1950] that served the church as a worship, concert, accompaniment and teaching instrument for the next 64 years. It certainly delivered with bold, brilliant choruses on all three manuals (including a five rank Plein Jeu on the Swell, seven ranks of mixtures on the Great, and a full principal chorus on the choir-positiv division), fiery French reeds, plaintive solo reeds, thunderous 32 pedal and true shut-down expression. Dedicated by legendary Philadelphia organist Alexander McCurdy, it had been so loved by successive generations of organists including Earl Ness, Jon Spong and Alan Morrison, that no changes were made to it, save the addition of a Vox Humana on the Swell. After having known the organ so well as a student, however, I wondered if the instrument would live up to my memory of it dating to the 1970 s. So, armed with my memories, such as the playing of Michael Stairs accompanying the Bach St. Matthew Passion or Mertine Johns singing the role of the mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, accompanied by the subtle orchestrations of the organ, I came to listen with older, more critical ears. Alan Morrison started with the Bach/Vivaldi Concerto in A minor, showing some of the gentler registrations. I heard the organ s mid-century bones evident in the large-scale and slightly stringy principals, and the round, chiff-free flutes. A Ciaconna by Bernhard Bach demonstrated more varied colors. Next Alan Morrison played a piece that was near to his heart (and mine): the Andante Sostenuto from the Widor Symphony Gothique. Wow was the Harmonic Flute on the Great really that big? Next, we heard full organ for the first time in the Final from Symphony IV of Louis Vierne. (My mother said she would like me to play that at her funeral. I said good luck. ) His virtuosity was up to the challenge of this piece, and the thrilling chorus reeds were augmented for the last crashing chords by the big Trompette Harmonique [really a solo reed, but every organist who played the instrument knew the trick of shutting the choir box, pulling the stop and re-opening the shutters to glorious effect when a big climax was called for]. The next piece, Variations on a Theme of Paganini by Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski ( ) is based on the same theme that Rachmaninoff used for his more famous setting. Nonetheless, it is fine work by a composer whose music deserves to be better known in this country. Originally written for two pianos, and later rewritten for piano and orchestra, this version uses the organ to play the orchestra part. Michelle Cann, pianist at First Baptist and an instructor at Curtis, played the piano part. Virtuosic to the extreme, it was a rollicking ride. At one point I was so wrapped up in the piece that it seemed I was listening to the orchestra version, so convincing was Alan Morrison s playing, all the while frantically pulling and pushing stops, due to the organ s barely-functioning combination action. Ms. Cann s piano playing was impeccable and emphatic. Continued on page 6

6 6 SEPTEMBER 2010 VOLUME LXXIII, No. 1 A Farewell Concert Continued from page 5 The second half of the concert included works of Jon Spong, organist at the church during the 90 s, and finishing with the Variations on Sine Nomine by John Weaver. The latter piece whimsically combines the Vaughan Williams tune with the spiritual Oh When the Saints Go Marching In. Throughout the program Alan Morrison played with taste and technical prowess, demonstrating his skills while showcasing an instrument that he clearly loves. The crowd of over 100 was clearly appreciative, and I was clearly struck that the organ was at least as good as I remembered it, if not better. There is a happy ending to this tale. Pastor Wool of First Baptist Church told the audience that the congregation is selling their building to a congregation that had been renting from them, and the new congregation wanted to modernize the building, including an elevator being put in the chamber currently occupied by the organ. Since the organ has not been in use recently anyway, it was thought that finding a new home for the instrument was prudent. So, with the help of Fred Haas and his charitable trust, the instrument will be rebuilt and relocated to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Rittenhouse Square. Rudolph A. Lucente Asst. Wanamaker Grand Court Organ Mary Elizabeth Campbell, C.A.G.O. Music Therapist MAMT BC Private Music Teacher, Therapist, EDMR Practitioner Sándor Kádár, A.A.G.O. Organist, Conductor, Accompanist, Improvisor St. Andrew Catholic Church Newtown, Pennsylvania sandorkadar.com Ken Schneider told me that once while he was having a lesson at First B, Earl Ness, ever the chain smoker, dropped a lit cigarette which immediately fell between the organ platform and the floor, disappearing into the abyss below. In his raspy voice he said sure hope that one goes out, followed by one of his characteristic snickers. Fortunately for us it did, and that wonderful instrument, so deserving of a future as glorious as its past, will live to play again. Andy Heller Roy Harker Church of Saint Asaph Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

7 CHAPLAIN S CORNER 7 The Thank You O n Facebook we have seen the challenges for a number of days: list what is positive or what you are thankful for. No matter how negative it may seem, there is always something positive. Wherever we find ourselves working, there is always something to complain about, but complaining does not get you any place. Rather, it creates a film that clouds what or who is positive and supportive. The picture looks brighter when we look at what is possible and not what seems impossible. When we can hear what is possible our music comes alive. We can then provide the motivation needed for our groups to make music. This is when those things that seem to be obstacles begin to shrink. We make choices in what we are going to see and hear. There are positions and people who challenge us to find something positive or to be thankful for. It often takes time and effort, but can be rewarding. As we near Thanksgiving, look for those things and people who support us and motivate us to make music. Thank them. Identify those things or people that seem to hinder us in our music making. Take the time needed to find a way to find something positive or a way to say thank you. We are challenged in scripture to give thanks in all circumstances. At times it really is a challenge: when a position ends before you expect it to; when part of your income is gone. We get through these times when the focus is on what we have and not what we don t have. In this month we celebrate Thanksgiving at which time we can remember how rich we are. When we are rich we have so much more to share. Our music so much richer when our hearts are overflowing. We can then sing and or play with heartiness: Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices; Who from our mothers arms has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed; And free us from all ills, in this world and the next! All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven; The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore. Written in 1636 by Martin Rinkart ( ), which in turn was inspired by Sirach, chapter 50 verses 22 24, from the praises of Simon the high priest. It was translated into English in the 19th Century by Catherine Winkworth. Chaplain Bruce William J. Gatens, D. Phil., F.A.G.O., Ch.M. Blessed John Henry Newman Fellowship Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park American Record Guide Ron Coles, MM, M.Ed.Admin. Roxborough Sr High School, Arts Department Chair St. Paul Roman Catholic Church

8 8 TUESDAY NOON RECITALS Andrew Heller, Coordinator Ardmore Presbyterian Church 5 W. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore PA Gary Garletts, host; November 4th: Gary Garletts November 11th: William Gatens November 18th: David Furniss November 25th: Lucas Brown The organ is a Moller m, Lulley rebuild Come to the church where Philadelphia legend Claribel Thomson served for over 50 years, and where legends in music continue! Venues October: Carmel Presbyterian Church 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, PA Abigail Palmisano, host; Austin 3m, Walker additions November: Ardmore Presbyterian Church 5 W. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore PA Gary Garletts, host; Moller m, Lulley rebuild 2003 December: Trinity Episcopal Church 708 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA Steven Schreiber, host; Schantz 1989, 3-39 January: St. Luke s UCC 125 N. Main St., North Wales, PA Jon Leight, Marion Archibald, hosts; Moller 2m February: Abington Presbyterian Church 1082 Old York Road, Abington PA Ethel Geist, John Sall, hosts; Moller m, rebuilt 2014 March: White Horse Village 535 Grayville Road, Newtown Square PA Andrew Heller, host; Johannus 2m April: St. Mary s Episcopal Church 630 E. Cathedral Road, Philadelphia Wesley Parrott, host; Moller/Murphy 2m May: Church of the Loving Shepherd 1066 New St., West Chester PA Kathleen Scheide, host; Wissinger tracker. 2m Carolyn Boxmeyer Flutist H a r r y W i l k i n s o n Ph.D., F.A.G.O.

9 IN PARADISUM 9 I t is with great sadness that we report the loss of our long time member Esther M. Robbins Wideman. She passed away on October 7, 2014, at home and surrounded by family. She was born on Christmas day in 1932 in a Cherokee Indian Hospital near Tulsa, OK. Oklahoma. She always had a love of and a flair for music, beginning as a very young child when she was given axylophone and a marimba as gifts. She loved all genres of music, from jazz to classical, religious and otherwise. She began piano study quite young in Tulsa, and excelled at piano performance and accompaniment.by the age of 16, her parents sent her to Pacific Union College in California, to study piano and organ performance with Dr. Becker. She continued her education at P.U.C., and then completed her Masters Degree in Organ Performance at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her daughters can remember to this day her excellent and impressive masters organ recitals. She studied for her doctoral degree at Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. Esther and James Wideman were married and they moved to Philadelphia where she was the Organist and Director of Music at the historic Arch Street Presbyterian Church, working closely with her dear friend, Arch Street Minister, Dr. Todd. While there she organized regular Wednesday noon concerts for the City of Philadelphia workers, where they could bring their sack lunch and hear fabulous music each week. She also played many concerts within the City of Philadelphia and surrounding areas, with a wide range of music, including English, French and Baroque music on the organ, harpsichord and piano. She taught music at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, and private organ lessons. Esther particularly enjoyed giving performances and soirees using her own Willard Martin French Harpsichord. Her musical dinner parties were famous among her friends in the music community and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Many summers she spent touring Europe's famous organs on tours with the American Guild of Organists and her own private tours. She loved particularly Esther enjoying fellowship with AGO friends at Christmas Party photo by MEC traveling in England, Germany and France and playing every organ available to her. She was highly instrumental in working with the church committee to install a J. W. Walker Tracker Organ from England for the Chestnut Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was a member at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and the American Guild of Organists, Philadelphia Chapter. Her husband James Wideman predeceased her. She is survived by her daughters Julene Martin-Morganelli and Julia B. Robbins, her grandchildren Sophia Esther Martin and Nicholas Orlando Martin, her sister June Smith Davis, her nieces, and her great nieces and nephew. Her Funeral Mass was held at St. Mark s and the Mass Setting used was the Faure Requiem, and also included were selections of her beloved Messiaen. Contributions can be made in Esther s name to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1625 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA

10 10 POSITIONS AVAILABLE Robert G. Carson, Coordinator We are happy to advertise positions available for churches in the Greater Philadelphia Area as a free service. We need to request that all ads stay within a 250 word limit applicants should be directed to the church for further information. We would also be very grateful if churches encourage their organists to join our chapter and many include dues payment as a contract perk! Part-time Director of Music Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church 837 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA Posted: 10/7/14 RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides and performs organ music for a 10:45 AM Traditional Worship Service every Sunday; Coordinates and directs adult choir for Wednesday 7:30-9:00 PM practice and Sunday service; Coordinates and directs youth choir for rehearsals and Sunday services; Coordinates and directs children's choir for rehearsals and Sunday services; Coordinates and directs concert band (grade 7-adult). Oversees the condition and inventory of the church's musical instruments including the organ, a Gerger pipe (Aeolian-Skinner)/digital (Westacott) hybrid (3 manuals, 54 ranks), built in 2000; and a Mason & Hamlin BB piano. Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Music Education or Piano or SPC or CAGO. COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience and AGO guidelines. Up to 2 weeks vacation. Please send resumes and inquiries to employment@gwyneddsquare.org or fax to: Organist/Choirmaster Christ Church, Ithan 536 Conestoga Road, Villanova, PA Posted: 9/16/14 Christ Church, Ithan (Episcopal) is seeking an Organist / Choirmaster with a background in traditional Anglican liturgical and choral music. There is one Sunday service and one rehearsal prior to the service with additional services based on the liturgical calendar. There are NO mid-week rehearsals unless required by the Choirmaster. The choir is an integral part of the parish life. There are five paid soloists (covering each voice part), four choral scholars (vocal students) with additional volunteers. The organ is a restored and enhanced Tellers (1999) with a great deal of versatility. The organ was designed with concert performance standards and it is well balanced for all repertoire. It consists of 22 ranks/40 stops and 2 manuals. The church is in the English cathedral style, designed by Theophilus Parsons Chandler, but is an intimate and warm space. The congregation is friendly and welcoming to all. Additional information, including the Parish Information Booklet, is available on the church s website. The position requires hours per week and the salary range is between $18,000 and $20, Please send your resume to Organist / Choirmaster Search at the above address, or fax to or guardianangel720@hotmail.com. TAPAS RECEPTION MENU Spicy Pulled Chicken Empanadas Warm manchego, cilantro, chipotle horseradish aioli Trio of Spreads Grilled pita with hummus, tirokafteri and muhammara Spanakopita Phyllo pastry, spinach, feta, caramelized onions, tzatziki Baked Brie Grand marnier soaked cranberries, sliced pears, hazelnuts Grilled Beef Kabobs Chocolate-peanut mole, balsamic glaze

11 11 CALENDAR OF EVENTS K a t h l e e n S c h e i d e, C o o r d i n a t o r Calendar@ agophila. org Saturday, November 1 and 2, 7:30 PM Elgar's The Light of Life & Rutter s Requiem. The Wayne Oratorio Society, a ministry of Wayne Presbyterian Church. 185 voice choir & professional orchestra and soloists. Free will offering. Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Lancaster Ave, Wayne PA Sunday, November 2, 4:00 PM French organist, Frederic Blanc - an All Souls' themed concert. First Presbyterian church, 21st & Walnut Streets (Center City), Philadelphia PA Sunday, November 2, 5:00 PM Choral Evensong. Music of Philadelphia composer Roland Woehr, sung by the choirs of St. Martin-in-the- Fields and the chamber choirs of SCH Academy. Freewill offering. St. Martin-In-The-Fields, St.Martin's Lane and Willow Grove Ave., Chestnut Hill, PA Thursday, November 6, 13 and 20, 12:00 PM Lunchtime recitals (30-40 minutes) with Timothy Smith, organ. Lunch available following for $8.00. Reservations are not necessary. First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 130 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA Thursday, November 6, 12:30 PM Anthony Hammond, organist. Free admission. Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton NJ eplutz@princeton.edu Friday, November 7, 8:00 PM Timothy Schwarz, violin, joins John Sall and the Abington Symphony Orchestra and Oratorio Choir in a program featuring Dvorak s Violin Concerto and a newly commissioned work for chorus, organ, and strings by composer Timothy Shaw. Freewill offering. Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd, Abington PA Sunday, November 9, 11:00 AM J. S. Bach, Cantata 140, the choir and orchestra of First Church, Andrew Senn, conductor. First Presbyterian Church, 21st & Walnut Streets, Philadelphia. First Presbyterian Church, 21st and Walnut Sts (Center City), Philadelphia PA All Upcoming Events for Crescendo publication should be sent to Kathleen Schiede in advance of our publication submission deadline, which is the 1st of the month preceding publication. Sunday, November 9, 3:00 PM Vincent M. Ryan, piano. Benefit concert for Joubert Syndrome. Advent Lutheran Church, 470 Landis Rd, Harleysville, PA music@adventharleysville.org Sunday, November 9, 7:00 PM Music for Viola and Percussion, Sarah Sutton and William Wozniak. First Presbyterian Church, 21st & Walnut Streets, Philadelphia. First Presbyterian Church, 21st and Walnut Sts (Center City), Philadelphia PA Wednesday, November 12, 7:30 PM Hector Olivera, Organist, in recital. Tickets $10 for adults, Students Free. St. Luke's Episcopal Church Germantown, 5421 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA don@cunninghampiano.com Thursday, November 13, 12:30 PM Christopher Keenan, organist. Free admission. Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton NJ eplutz@princeton.edu Friday, November 14, 8:00 PM A Suite, Sonata & Symphony. Eric Plutz, organist. Free admission. Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton NJ eplutz@princeton.edu Sunday, November 16, 3:00 PM Bach for One, Two and Three. Chamber concert with vocal soloists, Baroque instruments, and Kathleen Scheide, harpsichord. Free. Admission. Gill Chapel at Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ Thursday, November 20, 12:30 PM Bruce Barber, organist. Free admission. Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton NJ eplutz@princeton.edu Friday, November 21, 3:00 PM Aaron Patterson, organist. Free will offering. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Frankford Ave. & Sellers St., Philadelphia PA Continued on page 11

12 12 Calendar of Events Continued from page 10 Friday, November 21, 7:30 PM Organ Dedication Service: Chara Aurora Cooper Haas Organ, a refurbished E. M. Skinner instrument with additional work by the Kegg Pipe Organ Company. Featuring Peter Conte, preludes start at 7pm. Freewill offering. Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Bryn Athyn PA Sunday, November 23, 4:00 PM Thierry Escaich, organ. Tickets: $10 general admission. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. 625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr PA Sunday, November 30, 3:00 PM 20th Annual Messiah Sing. Dennis Elwell, Conductor; Paul Fleckenstein, Organist. Freewill offering. Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 6376 City Ave, Philadelphia PA D e n n i s E l w e l l Overbrook Presbyterian Church - Philadelphia Marjorie Lynch Cummings C.A.G.O. First Presbyterian Church of Olney

13 SUBSTITUTE LIST 13 This list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliability of substitute organists, Guild certificates and other degree programs indicate preparation beyond the minimum. The codes preceding each name have the following meanings: S = Available to play on a Sunday, O = Available to play other services such as weddings/funerals/weekdays, C = will also direct a choir Please note: This list includes only current members of the Philadelphia Chapter. To be included on this list, please be sure your membership is current and your profile indicates that you wish to be listed. For assistance contact Erik Meyer at registrar@agophila.org or Code Substitute Location Phone Number O Hannah A. Albrecht Bryn Mawr, PA SOC Frederick K. Astmann Cherry Hill, NJ SOC Debra S. Bacak Sellersville, PA OC Steven Ball Atlantic City, NJ O James Boschker Philadelphia, PA OC Lucas C. Brown Philadelphia, PA O D. Stephen Cable Bethlehem, PA O Mary Eliz. Campbell, CAGO Phoenixville, PA Robert G. Carson Philadelphia, PA SO Ronald Chancler, SPC Levittown, PA SC Linda J. Clark West Chester, PA O Mark A. Cole, SPC Cinnaminson, NJ OC Marjorie L. Cummings CAGO Philadelphia, PA S Doris J. Dabrowski SPC Philadelphia, PA OC Lee de Mets FAGO Chalfont, PA OC Thomas G Denny Spring City, PA SOC Theodore W. Didden CAGO Ambler, PA SOC Adam F. Dieffenbach Telford, PA OC Vincent Paul DiFrancesco Philadelphia, PA O Anthony Dratwa Essington, PA SOC Joyce Gambrell Drayton Philadelphia PA OC Sue Ellen Echard Harleysville, PA SOC Maria de J. Ellis Ardmore, PA OC Paul Emmens AAGO, ChM West Chester, PA O Suzanne Erb Philadelphia, PA SO Gary S. Eslinger Abington, PA SOC Carol Evans Glenside, PA x144 O Jonathan G. Fairchild Huntingdon Valley, PA SO Karen B. Fallows SPC Hatfield, PA SOC Susanna Faust West Chester, PA OC Paul Fejko Chester, PA SO Ruth D. Fisher AAGO ChM Media, PA SOC Jeremy J. Flood CAGO Philadelphia, PA Robert H. Frederick Philadelphia, PA O Patricia Gallo-Terrenzio Huntingdon Valley, PA OC William J. Gatens, FAGO, ChM Chester, PA SOC Louise M. Gerdelmann Souderton, PA OC Charles Glandorf Coopersburg, PA O Eric Gombert Lansdale, PA OC Peter Gowen Philadelphia, PA OC Charles M. Griffin Levittown, PA Lisa Guglielmo Glenmoore, PA O Timothy Harrell Doylestown, PA SOC Cheryl Hazzard Sewell. NJ SOC Michael C. Huffman Allentown, PA O H. Ray Hunsicker West Chester, PA OC Grete Ingalls, CAGO Philadelphia, PA SOC Tsitsi Jaji Philadelphia, PA OC Helen Jauregui Philadelphia, PA OC Beth Z. Jenkins Oreland, PA SOC Raymond Johnson Cheltenham, PA OC D. Damien Jones Wilmington, DE OC Paul S. Jones Philadelphia, PA x236 OC Sandor Kadar, AAGO Lawrenceville, NJ O Nancy J. Kahler-Jow Upper Darby, PA OC Ryan Kelly Chester Springs, PA S Deborah J. Kim Turnersville, NJ OC Parker Kitterman Philadelphia PA SOC Joel E. Klingman SPC Southampton, PA Code Substitute Location Phone Number O Maria Lennon Hatboro, PA SOC Thomas S. Lever Lansdale, PA SOC Joseph Lindsay Allentown, PA SOC David Clark Little Feasterville, PA S Chiduzie Madubata Philadelphia, PA S Elizabeth A. Manus St. Davids, PA SOC Paul R. Marchesano Philadelphia, PA O Glenn M. Matis Doylestown, PA SOC Steven Matthews Philadelphia, PA O Steven J. McBride West Chester, PA SOC Mardia Melroy Ambler, PA SOC Constance H. Mickel Bryn Mawr, PA OC Lee F. Milhous Doylestown, PA SOC William Miller Philadelphia, PA OC Pasquale Montenegro Marlton, NJ Scott P. Myers Furlong, PA O David R. Nelson Aston, PA OC Michael Nelson Easton, PA SO Patricia Nyce Douglassville, PA SO Sean OConnor Philadelphia, PA SOC Kirsten K. Olson Collegeville, PA OC Frank K. J. Orman Eagleville, PA SC Joanne K. Owen Pilesgrove, NJ OC Wesley D. Parrott Philadelphia, PA SOC Aaron C. Patterson Philadelphia, PA SOC Patricia A. Pezick Blue Bell, PA O Margaret Realley Doylestown PA SOC Katherine J. Reier SPC Abington, PA SOC Katherine Rick Wayne, PA O Ruth E. Rineer Cheltenham, PA SOC Barbara Romesburg Drexel Hill, PA O Valerie Rozek Chesterbrook, PA O John W. Sankey Deptford, NJ OC Stephen F. Schreiber Ambler, PA SOC Phillip J. Shade Souderton, PA OC Marilyn Lee Shenenberger, SPC Edgewater Park, NJ OC Jeffrey J. Shuman, FAGO, ChM Lightstreet, PA OC David E. Shunskis Philadelphia, PA Alexander M. Smith King of Prussia, PA OC Judith F. B. Stebner Warminster, PA OC Robert J. Stoop Philadelphia, PA Lyudmila Syrochkina Bronx, NY SOC Janet L. Tebbel Philadelphia, PA SO Karen L. Thomas Yeadon, PA SOC Bruce J. Thorsen Doylestown,. PA OC F. Anthony Thurman Cherry Hill, NJ OC Ryan Tibbetts Philadelphia, PA SOC Frances M. Treisbach Jeffersonville, PA SOC Virginia K. Vaalburg Glen Mills, PA SOC John W. Van Sant Trenton, NJ SC Jeff Varner Lansdale, PA SO Karen Whitney Philadelphia, PA SC Robert H. Wilkinson Ridley Park, PA S John C. Williams Doylestown, PA O John M. Woznisky Paoli, PA O Jerry L. E. Wright Collingdale, PA SOC Alma C. Zensen Wallingford, PA

14 14 - Diapason - Cleveland Plain Dealer THIERRY ESCAICH French Concert Organist and Composer Sunday, November 23, 2014, 4:00 PM Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Tickets: $10 general admission Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.

15 15 Thierry Escaich - COMPOSER AND ORGANIST Internationally renowned composer, organist and improviser, Thierry Escaich is a major figure on the contemporary musical scene and one of the most original. Born in 1965, Thierry Escaich has been organist at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris since 1997, having succeeded Maurice Duruflé. He appears in recitals the world over, captivating audiences with repertoire pieces, his own compositions, and improvisations; he also excels in the accompaniment of silent films on the organ or piano. Recent engagements include Philadelphia (in recital and as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Christoph Eschenbach), Vienna (recital at the Konzerthaus, soloist with the Orchestre de Paris and Paavo Järvi at the Musikverein), Saint Petersburg (recital at the Mariinsky Theatre, soloist with the Mariinsky Orchestra and Valery Gergiev), London (recital at the Proms), Berlin (recital at the cathedral, soloist with the Konzerthausorchester and Lothar Zagrosek), and concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, Tokyo, Budapest, Bucharest, Gdansk, and Athens, in the principal Paris venues and at numerous festivals both in France and abroad. After having been composer-in-residence with the Orchestre National de Lille, the Orchestre de Bretagne and the Orchestre National de Lyon, he is currently associate composer with the Paris Chamber Orchestra since September His catalogue boasts some hundred pieces, performed by the leading international orchestras and artists and honoured by three Victoires de la Musique awards as 'Composer of the Year' (2003, 2006 and 2011). In 2010 he composed a ballet premiered by the New York City Ballet and Benjamin Millepied, and, for the Lyons Opera, and prepared an opera on a libretto by Robert Badinter after Victor Hugo's story Claude Gueux. Since 1992, Thierry Escaich has been teaching composition and improvisation at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMD), where he himself obtained eight premiers prix. The different facets of his art are illustrated by an abundant discography, in particular on the Accord/Universal and Indésens labels, and critically acclaimed. His disc Les Nuits hallucinées (2011), which crowned his residence with the Orchestre National de Lyon, received numerous distinctions, including a 'Choc de l année' from Classica magazine, signalling one of the outstanding releases of the year.

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17 17 WHERE AM I? Our October photos were courtesy of our Communications Coordinator, Marcia Sommers, and were of the organ at First Presbyterian in West Chester. Remember we would LOVE submissions from members around the chapter! Consider taking unusual pictures while at a chapter or area event and sending them in to crescendo@agophila.org. Where do you suppose these are? TALE PIPES Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Editor Crescendo@agophila.org N ovember is a wonderful time to celebrate giving thanks, and as a chapter we have truly a wealth of blessings. I would like to offer thanks in this month s TalePipes for our own Jeffrey Brillhart, who with Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church will again be hosting our January Jumpstart. Jeff grew up in Iowa where he studied with Carl B. Staplin and Arthur Poister. He earned his MM from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Russell Saunders and Barbara Lister-Sink. He subsequently studied with Olivier Latry and Philippe Lefebvre in organ improvisation and in 1994, won First Prize in the AGO National Competition in Organ Improvisation. Not only has Jeff served as Director of Music and Fine Arts at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church since 1983, but in 1999 he became Artistic Director of Singing City Choir in Philadelphia, succeeding Joseph Flummerfelt and becoming their 4rth Music Director. They have a very impressive concert and touring schedule, and have broken remarkable musical ground. Jeff was appointed lecturer in organ improvisation at Yale University in 2005, and continues in that capacity. He is sought after as organist, teacher and conductor nationally and internationally. His teaching has included master classes at Eastman School of Music, the Curtis Institute of Music, the University of Alabama, Furman University, and Westminster Choir College. In 2011 his improvisation textbook Breaking Free: Finding a Personal Voice for Improvisation through 20th Century French Improvisation Techniques was published by Wayne Leupold Editions. (If you are interested in seeing a excerpt, information is available at this website: ) We are indeed blessed to have Jeff in our midst!! Photos courtesy of Jay Blossom, 909-JAY-BLOS

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